WHY → Why did we run this research?
The main objective of this first part of the IO1 project output Social Enterprise Comparison Survey is to compare the key outcomes of the desk research carried out by all partners, map existing pathways, practices and experiences in each project partner country (Italy, Sweden, Romania and the United Kingdom), compare results and identify how the educational system and the world of social economy are interrelated.
HOW → How did we conduct the research/collect data?
For the design of IO1, and the subsequent final research, all partners involved main target groups of the project, first through a survey and then with a focus group in each partner country. The mapping of the experience of each partner country environment has allowed us to build a picture of the provision to cover topics such as:
Pathways into work experience placements, employment outcomes, alignment to labour market needs, regulatory frameworks, safeguarding of young people, health and wellbeing, Quality Assurance, information, advice and guidance, placement matching and certification/accreditation, Innovation – this research will provide comparative experiences across several SE environments and in particular focus on the outcome for work experience placements.This takes a sector wide approach by involving all parties who have contributed directly with strategic inputs to guarantee an innovative analysis approach in the generation of this comparative report. It was also crucial in order to get a clear overview of all partner countries’ contexts and identify any similarities and good practices to take inspiration from.
WHAT → Results/outputs did we get, for example an introduction to the national reports and the comparative analysis.
The comparative study helped the partnership to better understand the following information and data:
- Key data and information about the educational system in each partner country
- Key data and information about the work placement/apprenticeship system in each partner country
- Data about formal (high schools, universities) and non-formal (VET) training initiatives (courses, programmes, projects, case studies, etc.) for work experience placements in SE sectors across partner countries
These results will be crucial for the creation of subsequent project outcomes.
