WISESHIFT is a four-year Horizon Europe research project aiming to empower Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable socio-economic transitions.
The project will comprehensively analyse the landscape of WISEs and their implementation of work integration pathways for vulnerable workers across the 27 EU Member States and Serbia.
WISESHIFT is committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable transitions by making high-quality, practice-relevant knowledge openly accessible and offering valuable support to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners committed to leveraging the full capacity of WISEs to drive systemic and lasting change.
Recognising the need to bridge the gap between research and practice, the project will deliver a broad suite of resources — ranging from comparative studies and national policy analyses to practical tools, such as a sustainability self-assessment specifically designed for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs). By identifying the factors that make WISEs “inclusive and sustainable by design” and assessing policy challenges, WISESHIFT will develop actionable strategies, evidence-based policy recommendations, and a multi-level governance framework.
Through its 24 case studies focused on repair, reuse, and recycling; agrifood; and community/home care for the elderly, the transversal reports, and country-specific insights, WISESHIFT sheds light on the diverse strategies employed by WISEs and the conditions that enhance their transformative potential. The project explores how WISEs adapt to different socio-economic environments, the challenges they face, and the innovations they deploy to foster inclusive and sustainable development.
In addition, policy briefs, publicly available databases, and tailored recommendations will guide decision-makers at local, national, and international levels. These outputs aim to create more supportive ecosystems for WISEs by influencing policymaking, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting evidence-based reforms.
Finally, scientific publications and an open-access book will contribute to academic discourse, further amplifying the project’s impact.
Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen the role of WISEs in advancing the EU’s social economy strategy and driving systemic change.
