Research, data and knowledge bases

Actors in the research, data and knowledge bases domain include:

• Social Enterprises

  A social enterprise is a business that puts people and planet first. They trade like any other business, but exist specifically to make the world a better place. Social enterprises can adopt a range of legal structures, identities, and play multiple roles, across different domains, in the ecosystem.

• Research centres

  Academic units and think tanks that conduct studies and critical analysis on social enterprise trends, practices, and impacts.

• Higher education institutions

  Universities and institutes that offer courses, research, and incubation programs related to social innovation, entrepreneurship, and enterprise.

• Peak bodies

  National or regional associations that represent and advocate for the interests of social enterprises and the broader sector. Peak bodies may be governed by their members and also provide networking activities, capacity building, and events.

• Standards organisations

  Bodies that establish and maintain certification schemes and benchmarks for social enterprise performance and impact. Standards may be related to specific areas of impact (e.g. animal welfare), specific products (e.g. Fair Trade), or whole of organisation (e.g. People and Planet First).

• Professional service providers

  Firms and consultants that offer specialised support to social enterprises, such as legal advice, accounting, marketing, and impact measurement.