International Collaboration
We facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative opportunities within the social enterprise sector, building on Scotland’s position as a world-leading nation in social enterprise development.
Our services include:
- Bespoke study visits and knowledge exchange programmes
- Collaborative project development and funding bids
- Support in engaging with international funders and partners
- Virtual learning and networking opportunities
Whether you want to focus on specific sectors, policy areas, business support programmes, or geographies, we can help you achieve your learning objectives and explore partnership opportunities within Scotland’s thriving social enterprise ecosystem.
Scotland is known for its comprehensive ecosystem and supportive policy environment, backed by the Scottish Government. This has created strong overseas demand from policy makers, academics, social enterprise leaders, civil society organisations and specialist support agencies seeking to learn from and collaborate with Scottish expertise.
Our lead partner, CEIS, is experienced in organising national study visits and international collaborations, supported by our Team Scotland partners. We can connect you with social enterprises, government officials, academics, intermediaries, and public and private sector organisations across Scotland.
Our collaborative approach also extends to working with social enterprise intermediary support providers in different countries who are seeking experienced partners with different, complimentary skillsets to collaborate on new programme development and funding bids.
If you’d like to explore collaborative opportunities with Scotland’s social enterprise sector – whether through study visits, joint projects, or funding partnerships – get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Learn more about our policies, strategies and programmes of support for the social enterprise sector below.
See a timeline of social enterprise policy and strategy development in Scotland below:
This 2016 strategy describes Scotland’s ambitions over the next decade to achieve global excellence, leadership and impact in social enterprise. It proposes actions in the areas of trade, investment, education and more
This paper from 2015 outlines a shared vision to grow Scotland’s social enterprise sector over the next 10 years. It looks to build agreement on goals for social enterprise to become more mainstream, visible, impactful and collaborative.
This 10-year strategy aims to fulfil the potential of social enterprise in Scotland. It was developed through working with the sector. It sets long-term priorities to encourage more social enterprises, strengthen organisations, and enable market opportunities.
The 2017 action plan sets out a 3-year programme of initiatives to stimulate social enterprise activity, develop stronger organisations, and create market opportunities. It works towards the 10-year Social Enterprise Strategy goals.
The 2021 action plan sets 3-year priorities to realise the potential of social enterprise, as part of Scotland’s COVID-19 recovery and transition to a wellbeing economy. It focuses on sector growth, organisational development and market opportunities.
The Social Enterprise Ecosystem Map shows the breadth of support available in Scotland.
Case Study: Pianodrome – A living sculpture & performance space made entirely from upcycled pianos
The decade-long journey of two Scottish creative founders, from a local arts experiment to a global social enterprise and international arts movement.
