A new report provides steps to strengthen the VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) sector across the island of Ireland.
The Social Economy Shared Island Report, co-authored by Dublin City University and Queen’s University Belfast, draws on insights from Development Trusts NI and Carmichael's recent cross-border Shared Island Civic Fund Project. This project saw the two organisations working collaboratively with 14 VCSE's based around the island of Ireland on a mutual peer learning initiative.
The report provides steps to strengthen the VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) sector across Ireland through policy innovation, funding reform, and legislative development.
The report highlights how community ownership and social enterprise have gained traction across both jurisdictions, showcasing growing momentum towards building local, inclusive economies. It argues for a distinct all-island approach, noting that while progress has been made individually in the North and South, collaboration on shared challenges can unlock greater potential.
Key areas of progress include enhanced political recognition of the social economy, increased policy advocacy from within the sector, and emerging national strategies for social enterprise in both jurisdictions. However, persistent structural weaknesses remain—particularly in linking policy to practical tools like capital investment, revenue support, community asset transfer, and the infrastructure needed to scale impact.
Further Info
Read the Social Economy Shared Island Report.
Find out more about Development Trusts NI and Carmichael.