Convergences between the Social and Solidarity Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: Case Study in the Basque Country

• Main Authors: Unai Villalba-Eguiluz, Andoni Egia, Juan Carlos Perez de Mendiguren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Social Economy; Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE); sustainability; local development; Basque Country
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/13/5435

This article analyzes the potential of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) to foster the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Local public policies play an important role in supporting both the SSE and SDGs. We select a case study of four SSE projects of a local development agency in the Basque Country, where the SSE has a considerable presence through diverse forms and experiences. We address how these projects, which are implemented in a coordinated and transversal manner, contribute to many specific targets within SDG goals number 8 (growth and decent work), 12 (sustainable consumption and production patterns), and 5 (gender equity). However, some limitations have also been identified: (i) trade-offs, in both SSE and SDGs, between economic growth and other aims centered on environmental sustainability; and (ii) avoidance of handling issues, which limits a systemic transformation.