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 support. 

Key Partners in USEF: 

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

In essence, the Universities and Social Enterprise Forum (USEF) serves as a collaborative hub leveraging the collective knowledge and resources of universities, research institutes, and social enterprise organisations. Its mission is to propel the social enterprise sector in Scotland by facilitating research, knowledge exchange, and practical support. The forum endeavours to create an environment conducive to the growth and success of social enterprises across Scotland. 

The Forum will soon be conducting new research guided by SES on the impact that social enterprises will have now that they have moved to the Economy section of the Scottish Government.  

Research

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