Second Integral Social Economy Plan (2021-24) in the Region of Navarra, Spain
SOCIAL
In 2017, the Region of Navarra became the first European region to develop a comprehensive Social Economy Plan (2017-20) as part of its Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) to support social economy organisations. The First Social Economy Plan has now been superseded by the Second Integral Social Economy Plan (2021-24), which was developed by the Directorate-General for Enterprise Policy, International Projection and Labour of the Government of Navarra, in collaboration with CEPES Navarra and other government bodies, as well as social economy networks such as ANEL, CEISNA, EINA, Fundaciones de Navarra, REAS and UCAN. The Second Integral Social Economy Plan has a budget of EUR 37.5 million. The plan aims to establish 362 new enterprises and generate 4 030 jobs.
In 2021, Navarre's social economy includes over 1 250 entities, generating EUR 2.4 billion and employing over 20 000 people. These entities had over 28 000 members and volunteers.
The Second Integral Social Economy Plan builds on the success of the First Integral Social Economy Plan. This second edition began with an analysis of the previous plan. This assessment was carried out at an institutional level by both the Government of Navarra and CEPES. This assessment included qualitative and quantitative components, analysing the achievements, degree of implementation and difficulties encountered during implementation of the First Plan.
The Second Integral Social Economy Plan also follows the 'Navarra Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3)' methodology used in the first plan, to create a socially and territorially cohesive Navarre. The actions of the second edition of the Plan directly target the three general objectives of the S3 and their respective indicators: (1) improving quality of life, (2) greater sustainability, and (3) greater prosperity. They are also aligned with the specific objective of business development as they include activities aimed at creation, consolidation and growth.
The second edition was developed in a very different environment to that of the original plan due to the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. While the Second Integral Social Economy Plan is not intended as a crisis plan, it is a forward-looking strategy that adds value and serves as the foundation for Navarre's recovery, in which the social economy plays a crucial role.
The Plan’s main objective is to facilitate personal development and commitment to social transformation through social economy companies and entities that focus on the sustainable development of the Navarre region. To this end, the Plan will establish the social economy model as a key pillar of the region’s economic and social recovery.
The Plan is organised around three objectives:
Fostering social and territorial cohesion through the social economy model, aligned with the 2030 Agenda (SDGs), European policy frameworks, and recovery plans
Promoting the creation, recovery, and sustainability of quality, inclusive employment
Strengthening the social economy and promoting the implementation of social economy models.
To achieve its objectives, the Plan is structured around four strategic areas encompassing a total of 16 actions.: (1) People, with a focus on job creation and retention, (2) Enterprises and Entities, supporting business development, (3) Sector, aimed at expanding social economy models throughout the region, and (4) Society & Territory, designed to foster social cohesion and regional engagement. Key activities within these strategic areas include raising awareness of co-operative entrepreneurship among policy makers and opinion leaders, providing information and advisory support to potential social entrepreneurs, and delivering vocational training in cooperative entrepreneurship in partnership with vocational centres.
The Second Integral Social Economy Plan has been a key component of Navarre's Smart Specialisation Strategy for company development, emphasising the value of people and growth as a differentiator. Following the implementation of the Plan, the social economy has established itself as a driving force due to its potential to foster social and territorial solidarity, and its capacity to generate wealth.
From 2021 to 2024, social economy organisations and businesses played a crucial role in the regional organisation and sustainability of Navarre, helping to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic and boost the local economy. With almost 25 000 direct jobs, a contribution to regional GDP of over 10.6%, and a total turnover of over EUR 2.4 billion, the social economy sector currently plays a significant role in the regional economy and employment. The social economy model has grown in terms of employment and businesses, with 3 672 jobs created in cooperatives and worker-owned companies between 2021 and 2024, representing a 25.8% increase and bringing the total number of people employed to 16 160. The Second Integral Social Economy Plan has also promoted the creation of 359 new worker-owned cooperatives and 10 social enterprises for work integration. These entities have generated 2 500 jobs.
Building on learning outcomes of the previous two plans, the Third Integral Social Economy Plan was launched in May 2025 with a budget of EUR 37 million. This Plan will be implemented between 2025 and 2028.
CEPES Navarra. (2025, May 23). CEPES Navarra firma el III Plan de Economía Social con la presidenta de Navarra. Retrieved from https://www.cepesnavarra.org/cepes-navarra-firma-el-iii-plan-de-economia-social-con-la-presidenta-de-navarra/
Regional government of Navarra. (2021, September 24). El Gobierno de Navarra fomentará el modelo de economía social con 37,5 millones hasta 2024. Retrieved from https://www.navarra.es/es/noticias/2021/09/24/el-gobierno-de-navarra-fomentara-el-modelo-de-economia-social-con-37-5-millones-hasta-2024
Regional government of Navarra and CEPES . (2021). II Plan Integral de Economía Social. Retrieved from https://www.navarra.es/documents/48192/10754588/II+Plan+integral+de+economia+social_2021-2024.pdf/8fb52529-7b87-1495-e8c5-438bc2e2ecf7?t=1632483433820
Regional government of Navarra and CEPES. (2025). III Plan Integral de Economía Social. Retrieved from III Plan Integral de Economía Social de Navarra - Participación Ciudadana