In this fifth episode of Season 2 of The Social Economist, our second mini-series continues! Following on from our focus on the European ⁠Council Recommendation to improve social economy framework conditions, we’re excited to be taking a closer look at the exciting strategy adopted in Germany in 2022. This interview was however recorded before the recent political changes in Germany leading to an early election in 2025. 

In this second episode of this mini-series, host Toby Gazeley from ⁠⁠Euclid Network⁠⁠ is joined by Jessamine Davis from⁠ the Social Entrepreneurship Network of Germany (SEND.ev) to understand how the new national strategy has been developed, what has led to its adoption and what it should mean for social enterprises. 

Toby and Jess cover many of the key areas in the German strategy. Jess highlighted the importance of the German Social Enterprise Monitor (DSEM), part of the European Social Enterprise Monitor project (ESEM), for raising awareness and understanding of social enterprise as well as establishing an agreed definition for social enterprise. Jess also highlighted the importance of champions within the government for supporting social entrepreneurship as well as several key support measures including opening new investment opportunities for social enterprises, developing a platform for social innovation and opening up procurement opportunities. 

Jess was happy to share three diverse recommendations for podcasts to check out. This included a German language podcast, Lage der Nation, as well as two in English: Oh God, What Now?; and The Blindboy Podcast. Toby also shared a light hearted recommendation (again), Enemy in Paris, as well as a current events podcast: the Political Fourcast.  

Please do get in touch with any questions or feedback at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

A special thanks to Jan Kiszowara at Euclid Network who produces this podcast and the European Commission for making this all possible. 

Our theme music is 'another twelve' by Mikel Patrick Avery at Music for Podcasts.