Introduction to the Solidarity Economy (CS)

Prerequisites: None

Time slot: Thursday, 12.03.2026 from 6 pm and intensive training week 30.03.-01.04.2026

Course in presence with excursion

Course language: English

Number of participants: Minimum 9 persons / maximum 21 persons

Course costs: approx. 10-20 € for excursion(s) 

Sustainability:

• SDG 8 - decent work and decoupling of economic growth and resource consumption
  
• SDG 11 - inclusive and resilient communities with quality of life in the neighbourhood
  
• SDG 12 - sustainable consumption and production patterns and lifestyle changes 
  

FHV Future Skills: Promote Ethical and Social Responsibility und Encourage Collaboration & Cooperation

Registration: From 15-25 November 2025 in A5 under ‘Course selection’. If a late booking is required, please contact sabine.frick@fhv.at

Although the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is not a new phenomenon, its importance and visibility have increased significantly since the turn of the century. The SSE is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of institutional entities and goes beyond traditional dichotomies of market and state. At a time when calls for new ways of doing business are growing, the SSE can provide a foundation for a business model that promotes inclusivity, sustainability and resilience.

This course provides an overview of the actors, activities, principles and values of the SSE. A particular focus is placed on so-called community enterprises, which are managed and owned by the community. Students will be introduced to the role that community enterprises can play in promoting sustainable and community-led local development. Excursions and practical tasks give them a first understanding of community enterprise development.

• Students know the main theoretical concepts of the Social and Solidarity Economy.
• Students understand the importance of the Social and Solidarity Economy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for Community Led Local Development (CLLD).
• Students know best practice examples of community enterprises in Vorarlberg and beyond.
• Students know the main practical tools and methods for community enterprise development.
• Students have created an impact model for a community enterprise using the “Theory of Change” method.

Lectures, own research on best practices examples of community enterprises, and group work.

Active participation through own contributions and involvement in teamwork. Presentation of your own research and the relevant results of the group work.

For further questions please contact robert.moosbrugger@fhv.at

Elsen, S. (2018). Eco-Social Transformation and Community-Based Economy (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351119863

Kurz, B., & Kubek, D. (2016). Social Impact Navigator: The practical guide for organizations targeting better results (Second revised edition). PHINEO.

Yi, I. (Ed.). (2023). Encyclopedia of the social and solidarity economy. A Collective Work of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on SSE (UNTFSSE). Edward Elgar Publishing.

Intensive training week in class with an excursion and practical group work.