Building a resilient Nordic region through social entrepreneurship and innovation
Societies across the Nordic region, and our traditionally strong welfare system, are under increasing social and economic pressure, and we see a great need for innovative and inclusive solutions. Social enterprises and social innovations offer powerful responses to these challenges - blending entrepreneurial spirit with deep social impact. But to truly realise their potential, we need a stronger, more connected Nordic ecosystem. We need political will, long-term investment, and a shared vision for a resilient and socially sustainable future.
Earlier in April, we met with organisations supporting social entrepreneurship in Norway, Denmark and Finland to explore the state of our ecosystems. Finland clearly leads the way, with national-level investment and a formal Centre of Expertise for Social Enterprises, backed by significant EU and national funding. In contrast, Sweden - despite its strong tradition of civic engagement and social innovation - has yet to adopt a national strategy (or renew the one launched by the previous government), even as the EU Council recommends all member states do so, as a response to the EU’s Social Economy Action Plan.
Our Nordic friends face similar challenges: lack of visibility for social enterprises, underdeveloped funding structures, and limited understanding of the sector’s role beyond voluntary or charity work. Our discussions also revealed shared needs: better data and mapping of social enterprises, stronger education and outreach to future entrepreneurs, and strategic investments in scaling social innovation. Yet more than anything, we saw the opportunity for the Nordic region to lead by example - to create a new kind of economy that is regenerative, inclusive, and future-ready.
The case for a stronger Nordic voice
Social enterprises are not just small community projects - they are strategic actors in building resilient societies. Unlike traditional businesses driven solely by profit, social enterprises reinvest their surpluses into communities, create meaningful jobs, and address societal challenges at their roots. They are crucial partners in welfare delivery, innovation, and sustainable development.
In a changing welfare landscape, the Nordics have an opportunity to renew their social model. But this renewal will not happen by accident. It requires coordinated action: from policymakers, from public sector institutions, from educational institutions, and from the social enterprises themselves. Without recognition, without structured support, we risk losing the potential of this dynamic sector - at a time when society needs it most.
Sweden, in particular, has an opportunity - and a responsibility - to step up. We need national strategies that recognise social entrepreneurship as a key driver of welfare and innovation. We need long-term investment in support structures, knowledge hubs, and cross-sectoral collaboration. And we need to shift the narrative: social entrepreneurship is not “nice-to-have” volunteerism, but a professional and vital part of a future-proof economy.
Shaping the future through a Nordic collaboration
Building a resilient and socially sustainable Nordic region means dreaming bigger. Growth doesn’t always mean “getting bigger” - it means increasing impact. Scaling social innovation, supporting replication of successful models, and building partnerships that spread solutions across the region. Creating a system change.
The Nordic region has always been known for its leadership in equality, welfare, and democratic values. Now we have a change to evolve that leadership - to build an economy that truly serves people and planet. Social enterprises and social innovators are already doing the work. What’s needed now is the political vision, the investment, and the regional collaboration to take it further. We look forward to working alongside our Nordic partners to strengthen the ecosystem for building a resilient Nordic region through social entrepreneurship and social innovation.
The visit in Helsinki, Finland was hosted by Valo-Valmennusyhdistys and funded by Erasmus+.