About the Observatory

The Observatory of Local SSE Policies

A GSEF initiative

The Observatory of Local SSE Policies is a GSEF platform dedicated to highlighting best practices, serving as a space for knowledge exchange, and providing reference points for local authorities and all stakeholders interested in local public policies regarding the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE).

Identity

Mission

Vision

Showcasing Local Expertise Providing an international platform to highlight the innovative practices of GSEF members. Facilitating Access to Knowledge Enabling local governments worldwide to access proven public policies adapted to diverse contexts. Providing Practical Tools for Action Turning lessons learned and case studies into practical tools to design, improve and assess their own initiatives.

Serving as a Dynamic Platform Sharing and disseminating innovative and inspiring local SSE policy experiences, while providing essential implementation guidance. Becoming a Global ReferenceFor local governments, SSE networks, international institutions and researchers.

HISTORY

The creation of this Observatory is rooted in the DNA of the GSEF, an international association of local governments and civil society networks committed to promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy as a pathway towards inclusive and sustainable local development. As such, this initiative falls squarely within the GSEF’s core areas of action: promoting initiatives and experience-sharing, as well as fostering applied research and knowledge production. 

The Observatory builds on the work of the GSEF Working Group on “The Impact of SSE Public Policies on the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, coordinated by Marguerite Mendell (Karl Polanyi Institute) and Timothée Duverger (Director of the Terr’ESS Chair, Sciences Po Bordeaux).

In October 2025, during the BordeauxGSEF2025 Global SSE Forum, the Working Group published a collection of 17 working papers entitled “Local SSE Policies for the Socio-Ecological Transition”. These papers explore two fundamental dimensions: the contribution of local SSE policies to the achievement of the SDGs and the paradoxes associated with the institutionalization of the SSE. Together, they shed light on a broad spectrum of public policies related to the SSE, whether directly or indirectly connected to it, and serve as a source of reflection, inspiration and action.

In parallel, the Research Working Group is currently preparing a report on job guarantee schemes under the leadership of Timothée Duverger. The report examines SSE-related employment policies, drawing inspiration from initiatives such as the French “Territoires Zéro Chômeur de Longue Durée” programme.

Building on this body of work, the GSEF aims to establish an international Observatory that will ensure the continuous and permanent publication of policy notes and support ongoing reflection on local SSE public policies.

THE TEAM

The management of the Observatory of Local SSE Policies is entrusted to a dedicated team within the GSEF.

	Composition   Timothée Duverger, Marguerite Mendell, Colombia Pérez Muñoz and Aude Saldana	Missions   Ensure the overall co-leadership of the project and its alignment with the GSEF strategy. Coordinate the work of the Scientific Committee and the Review Committee. Ensure compliance with the timeline, implementation of decisions, and coordination with the technical teams.
	Composition   Members of the former GSEF Research Working Group. Members of the GSEF network (experts, researchers and practitioners).	Missions   Define the Observatory’s main areas of investigation. Produce a cross-cutting analysis of the submitted notes and identify major trends in local SSE policies. Identify and contact relevant initiative leaders. Select webinar themes and speakers.
	Composition    Representatives of the Scientific Committee and one member of the GSEF team.	Missions    Review the notes submitted by local governments, assessing their relevance, clarity and compliance with the Observatory’s guidelines. Provide constructive feedback to authors in order to strengthen the content prior to publication. Collaborate with the General Secretariat on web publication and dissemination through social media.

OUTPUTS

The Observatory brings together contributions produced by GSEF member local governments, as well as other SSE stakeholders, organizations and researchers. These policy notes document sectoral, cross-cutting and innovative dynamics in local SSE public policies. Drawing on the diversity of its members, the GSEF platform serves as a point of convergence where territorial policies meet, are debated and mutually enriched.

Explore the Notes  Observatory Webinars  Library

Contact the Observatory: observatory@gsef-net.org