The international MERSE webinar held on November 27 explored how social enterprises can contribute to inclusive rural communities and sustainable regional development, bringing together speakers from Sweden and Ireland to share practical experiences and policy perspectives. The discussion focused on how collaboration between social enterprises, public authorities, and civil society can address labour market gaps, social exclusion, and long-term development challenges in rural areas.
The webinar opened with an overview of the MERSE project, a European initiative designed to strengthen rural social enterprises through cross-border learning, an online training platform, and tools to measure social impact. The project aims to equip social enterprises with the skills, networks, and evidence they need to grow, collaborate effectively, and demonstrate their contribution to local economies and social cohesion.
Insights from Sweden highlighted how changing labour market mindsets is essential for inclusion. The NOI project, implemented by Coompanion, works closely with employers and public-sector actors to reduce structural barriers in recruitment and employment. By using public procurement as a lever, building employer networks, and providing targeted training, the project challenges traditional definitions of competence and promotes a more inclusive understanding of skills and experience.
Perspectives from Ireland focused on the intersection of language, culture, and economic development in Irish-speaking regions. Údarás na Gaeltachta shared how supporting social enterprises and community-led initiatives helps sustain both local economies and cultural identity. Through mentoring, funding access, graduate programmes, and international partnerships, the organisation positions social enterprise as a key driver of long-term sustainability in rural areas.
The role of municipalities in enabling social enterprise was illustrated through the case of Östersund in Sweden. The municipality has developed partnerships with civil society organisations to support labour market integration and social inclusion, particularly in vulnerable areas. By using idea-based public partnerships and reserved contracts in procurement, local authorities are creating pathways for social enterprises to participate in service delivery and provide employment opportunities to people facing barriers to work.
Further contributions from Ireland emphasised social enterprise as a strategic regional development tool. The Western Development Commission highlighted how financial instruments, advisory support, and ecosystem-building efforts help social enterprises tackle local challenges, create jobs, and strengthen community ownership. The discussion also underscored the resilience of community finance models and the potential of national-level social innovation infrastructure to scale effective solutions.
The webinar concluded with reflections on scaling social innovation through blended funding and strategic support. Rethink Ireland’s experience demonstrated how pairing finance with capacity building, impact management, and long-term planning enables social enterprises to grow sustainably and reach wider populations. Overall, the webinar reinforced that social enterprises play a critical role in rural development by connecting public policy, community needs, and market-based solutions, and that sustained collaboration and investment are key to building inclusive and resilient regions.
