DIGI SEII: Empowering Social Enterprises Through Digitalization

The Social Innovation Factory plays a fundamental role in the DIGI SEII project. As part of a European consortium, we focus on supporting Belgian social enterprises (SEs) to access the tools and knowledge necessary to embrace digital transformation effectively. By fostering future-ready enterprises, the organisation strengthens its position as a central figure in Belgium’s social innovation landscape.

Key contributions of Social Innovation Factory include:

• Mapping Needs and Innovations: Leveraging its expertise, we undertake a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges and digital needs of Belgian social enterprises. This mapping ensures that support is tailored to the specific operational gaps and scaling opportunities faced by SEs, enabling them to thrive in the rapidly changing digital environment​​.
• Knowledge Sharing: As a conduit between European networks and local stakeholders, we translate insights and best practices from the DIGI SEII initiative into actionable strategies for Belgian social enterprises. This ensures that national players benefit from cutting-edge approaches in digitalization, fostering a culture of innovation​​.
• Customized Support and Capacity Building: The organisation spearheads training programs and offers hands-on guidance to SEs. Beyond training, we connect social entrepreneurs with organizations and experts who specialize in digital transformation, building a supportive ecosystem tailored to their unique needs​​.

By fulfilling these roles, we not only contribute to the overarching goals of the DIGI SEII project but also reinforces Belgium’s position as a leader in social innovation within the European context. Its efforts ensure that digital tools are not merely adopted but embedded strategically into the scaling models of social enterprises, driving long-term resilience and impact.

The DIGI SEII project is ambitious in its scope. Over the course of the project, we aim to:

• Deliver 45 local, national, or regional capacity-building activities.
• Train 260 individuals from social enterprises and SESOs.
• Provide direct financial support to 260 social entreprises.
• Facilitate 144 coaching, mentoring, and advisory sessions for both SEs and SESOs.
• Organise 12 transnational training activities during the project.
• Engage 50 social enterprises in a hackathon designed to foster digital innovation.

In addition to these quantitative targets, we aim to achieve a 20% increase in participants' understanding of key training topics and expect to see a 3% annual increase in the number of social enterprises reporting investment in digital tools to scale their operations .

DIGI SEII is led by the Euclid Network, in collaboration with underneath partners. These partners bring diverse expertise from various social enterprise ecosystems, creating a project with strong European and transnational significance.

The DIGI SEII project directly contributes to several EU policies, including the European Green Deal and the Transition Pathway for the Social Economy. By aligning with the EU’s priorities on digitalization and sustainability, the project will play a key role in supporting social enterprises as drivers of social innovation and economic resilience.

We are thrilled about the opportunities offered by the DIGI SEII project to empower social enterprises in Belgium and beyond. Through our involvement in this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting social innovations and increasing societal impact. We look forward to collaborating with our partners and the extensive network of social entrepreneurs to work towards a digital and sustainable future.

You are interested in participating in the DIGI SEII-project or how we can support you?

DIGI SEII is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.