DNA of Social Economy Enterprises in Belgium
Abstract
This paper is the result of a collective and participatory reflection by a working group of twenty actors from the social economy ecosystem in French-speaking Belgium, including academics, federations, social economy enterprises (SEEs), networks, Walloon public administration, and field practitioners. Coordinated by the Centre for Social Economy at HEC ULiège (CES) and supported by W.ALTER (public funding body for SE projects), this initiative is part of ESCAP, a collective project aiming at co-constructing knowledge and tools by partnering academic research and practical experience. In response to the emergence of new entrepreneurial models (mission-driven companies, impact enterprises, etc.) and increasing market pressures, this document offers an inclusive and practice-based definition of the "DNA" of SEEs. It identifies six cumulative and cross-cutting practices implemented by all SEEs, regardless of their legal form, sector, or size. These practices — co-constructed and debated collectively — distinguish SEEs from other organizational forms. Rooted in the Walloon context while drawing comparisons with other Belgian and international regulatory frameworks, this work seeks to clarify the boundaries of SEEs, enhance their recognition, and support their development in an evolving ecosystem.