Revealing Hidden Impact: Social and Solidarity Economy Enterprise Networks and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries

Abstract

The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) offers strong potential for sustainable development in low-income regions, yet its enterprises often operate with scarce resources, weak monitoring systems, and limited visibility. These constraints hinder both their capacity to demonstrate contributions to sustainable development (SD) and their own progress toward greater sustainability. Support networks can play a decisive role in overcoming these limitations. This study develops a Sustainability Assessment Framework (SAF) specifically designed for vulnerable SSE initiatives supported by international networks. Following a Design Science Research approach, the SAF was co-created through a participatory, multi-stakeholder process grounded in SSE principles. Adaptable across sectors, it enables comparative evaluation, strengthens learning processes, and supports continuous improvement. Applied to 21 social business initiatives in 7 countries, facilitated by 9 Latin American NGOs, the SAF reinforces the legitimacy of support networks and enhances understanding of SSE's contribution to SD. The findings offer actionable insights for NGOs, policymakers, and scholars.