The Universities and Social Enterprise Forum (USEF) is a collaborative initiative led by Social Enterprise Scotland (SES), in partnership with several universities and organisations. Its core objective is to foster a supportive ecosystem for social enterprise development in Scotland. This is achieved through a comprehensive approach encompassing research, knowledge sharing and practical development support. 

Partners include: 

  • Queen Margaret University
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • University of Edinburgh 
  • Abertay University 
  • Challenges Worldwide
  • Social Value Lab
  • Evaluation Support Scotland 
  • University of Guelph
  • Highlands and Islands University
  • Community Enterprise
  • University of West of Scotland
  • Crichton Institute 

Research Directory

The Impact of Technology Adoption on Scottish Social Enterprises’ Operation – By Han-Ju (Emma) Yang, University of Edinburgh

The role of Work Integrated Social Enterprise (WISE) in supporting employment and desistance for criminalised individuals – By Dr Rebecca Oswald, Northumbria University

Community Wealth Building in Scotland: Exploring ‘New’ Ways to Build an Inclusive Local Economy – By Dr Micaela Mazzei, Dr Gill Murray, Dr Dani Hutcheon, Connor Hodgson-Brunniche, Glasgow Caledonian University

Co-Producing Social Enteprise Strategy: a Critical Examination of The Policy Co-Production Process – By Maeve Curtin, Glasgow Caledonian University

Business and development support