GIUV2024-626

http://www.uv.es/iudescoop

• The Social Economy, and in particular cooperativism, are key tools in the revolution of the economic sector, based on principles such as the primacy of people and social purpose over capital, the application of results according to the cooperative activity carried out or the services provided, the promotion of internal and social solidarity, and independence from public authorities. When analyzing these principles in the current context, their close link with the Sustainable Development Goals is evident. The primacy of people and social purpose over capital aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, as it highlights the importance of prioritizing human needs and social well-being over the maximization of economic profits. This approach is fundamental to achieving equitable and just development. The application of results according to the cooperative activity or the services provided supports the idea of ¿¿a circular and responsible economy, where resources are used and redistributed efficiently and ethically. This principle encourages social economy entities to adopt sustainable practices that benefit not only their members, but also the environment and society in general. Promoting internal and societal solidarity is another pillar that directly links the Social Economy Law to sustainability. By fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual support, social economy entities can play a crucial role in building resilient communities and promoting inclusive sustainable development. Finally, independence from public authorities, while promoting autonomy, also implies a responsibility towards society and the environment. This independence must be balanced with an active commitment to implementing sustainable and responsible practices. In terms of implementation, there is a growing recognition and adoption of these principles in various entities. Cooperatives, associations, foundations, and other forms of social economy organizations are progressively integrating sustainable practices into their operations, demonstrating that it is possible to align economic activity with social and environmental objectives. However, challenges remain, such as the need for greater regulatory and financial support, and for increased awareness and training in sustainability.
• "Analysis of the public policies necessary for revitalizing the economy in times of crisis, such as that generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategic approach seeks not only economic recovery but also the transformation of the productive fabric towards more sustainable and inclusive models. Public policies are key tools for boosting strategic sectors, fostering innovation and sustainability. Currently, public policies are being implemented that promote the use of the social economy, as is the case with the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE), which promotes a structural transformation of the economy, supporting innovative and technologically advanced sectors and in particular: - Promotion of the Social Economy: Placing special emphasis on the social economy, recognizing its role in creating quality employment, social inclusion, and promoting sustainability. - Innovation and Sustainability: Promoting projects that integrate innovation and sustainability, seeking solutions that respond to current challenges such as climate change, digitalization, and social inequality. - Public-Private Cooperation: Fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, creating synergies that boost investment and the implementation of transformative projects." "
• "Sectoral Analysis in Energy, Housing, and Care: Delving into key sectors such as energy, housing, and care, promoting sustainable practices and evaluating responsible economic models. - Energy: In the energy sector, the focus is on the transition to renewable and sustainable sources. This shift not only implies a reduction in dependence on fossil fuels but also the implementation of innovative technologies such as solar, wind, and biomass energy. The analysis in this sector is directed toward evaluating policies that favor investment in renewables, energy efficiency, and the decentralization of energy production. This includes considering economic aspects, such as financing and profitability models, and social aspects, such as the impact on job creation and the local community. - Housing: In the housing sector, the focus is on promoting sustainable construction and the renovation of existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency. The sectoral analysis in housing encompasses the evaluation of sustainable urban planning policies, access to affordable housing, and the integration of green technologies in construction. Ownership and management models are also considered, such as..." Cooperative housing, which can offer more inclusive and affordable alternatives. - Care. The care sector is crucial, especially in the context of an aging population and the growing demand for care services. Sustainability in this sector involves not only ensuring the quality and accessibility of services, but also guaranteeing fair and sustainable working conditions for workers. The analysis includes the evaluation of community-centered care models, the integration of technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of services, and the promotion of policies that support the dignity and rights of older and disabled people.
• "Develop tools that contribute to corporate social responsibility, enabling automatic rating and its implications and relationship with the social economy. - Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an essential component of modern business management, reflecting a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices that transcend mere economic profit. CSR encompasses a variety of areas, including labor ethics, respect for the environment, social inclusion, and transparency in management. Its importance lies in the ability of companies to positively influence society and the environment through responsible business practices. Furthermore, CSR has become a key factor in corporate reputation, influencing the decisions of investors, consumers, and other stakeholders. Therefore, we consider it necessary to develop management systems and accreditation processes based on sustainability indicators aligned with national and international bodies. - Accreditation Process by Expert Entities. The certification process by expert entities in CSR plays a crucial role in the validation and recognition of Responsible business practices. These certifications, such as ISO standards and the B Corp seal, offer a framework and methodology for evaluating the social and environmental performance of companies. Let's not forget the creation of the first registry of socially responsible entities in the Valencian Community. The certification process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the company's policies and practices, including aspects such as resource management, environmental impact, labor relations, and social contribution. Obtaining certification not only validates a company's CSR efforts but also provides a path for continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable practices. These certifications provide a valuable tool for conscious consumers and investors who seek to support companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. In the long term, certification fosters a business environment where sustainability and ethics become fundamental pillars, thus contributing to a more responsible economic model that respects both people and the planet.

• Key self-consumption communities in the energy transition (POWERCOOP)..The main objective is our contribution to improving the implementation and development of legislation on energy communities, self-consumption and energy poverty, which can be broken down into the following: 1. Identifying problems related to energy poverty and their solutions. Debate on social measures and appropriate solutions for each community; the situation of women as a particularly vulnerable sector. Proposal to create energy communities that promote independence from the electricity market and provide coverage for the most vulnerable consumers. Sustainable housing and promotion of new models that allow access to housing for the most vulnerable sectors. 2. Electricity self-consumption as an essential activity in the context of economic recovery and reconstruction. Generation of direct employment and a knock-on effect on local value chains and energy cost savings for domestic, industrial, service sector and public consumers.
• Public-private collaboration through social economy entities..Public-cooperative collaboration in the development of geographically localised services and activities has become essential for achieving territorial development. Traditionally, public-private collaboration has been developed through capitalist companies in an attempt to reduce the interventionist role of the State, cut public spending and generate investment by leaving the implementation of public infrastructure or services in private hands. Public policies aimed at the general interest must be promoted by public administrations themselves or through entities whose legal nature is aligned with the objectives of the administration, namely entities belonging to the social economy or capitalist companies that incorporate social purposes into their objectives. In addition, the use of social clauses in public procurement should be encouraged and clarified as a means of developing and promoting public-private partnerships. The social economy should be considered as an instrument for promoting regional development, and local initiative should be seen as a necessary element in addressing regional problems. The democratic principle that governs social economy entities, regional roots, internal solidarity and solidarity with the environment, and economic returns to members based on their participation in the activity are elements that should be taken into account in promoting public-private partnerships.
• Cooperative housing and auxiliary services..The objective of this line is to create a space for the promotion, development, and dissemination of information and materials on cooperative housing and its various organizational forms. This space aims to raise awareness of cooperative housing options as a means of fulfilling citizens' right to decent and adequate housing, one of the pillars of our rule of law, as enshrined in Article 47 of the Spanish Constitution. These are socially innovative models for access to housing, alternatives to traditional housing models in the Valencian Community's real estate market, such as ownership and rental. Civil society is organizing and taking the initiative to achieve more affordable housing tailored to their needs, as the cooperative model prioritizes people over social capital.
• Development of sustainability diagnostic systems for SMEs in the Social Economy..The main objective of this line of research is to develop diagnostic sustainability assessment systems appropriate to the characteristics of SMEs in the social economy sector. These types of entities face a double challenge when joining the sustainability movement promoted by the European Union. First, the assessment and reporting systems are designed for large companies or listed SMEs. However, these systems are not adapted to the characteristics of SMEs, which represent 95% of EU companies. Second, the sustainability assessment and reporting systems are designed for the most common type of company, ignoring the specificities of those operating in the social economy sector. The specific objectives of this line of research are: 1. Based on a study of the most widely used and accepted sustainability assessment and measurement systems, develop a version tailored to the specificities of SMEs in the social economy. 2. Develop evaluation and reporting systems tailored to the specific needs of non-business entities such as associations and foundations.
• Development of sustainability diagnostic systems for government organizations..The main objective of this line of research is to develop diagnostic sustainability assessment systems tailored to the characteristics of public administrations. These types of entities face a challenge when it comes to joining the movement towards sustainability promoted by the European Union. Assessment and reporting systems are designed for large, profit-making commercial companies. However, these systems are not adapted to the characteristics of public administrations, which account for 53.1% of the EU's GDP. The specific objectives of this line are: 1. Based on the study of the most widely used and accepted sustainability assessment and measurement systems, to develop a version tailored to the specific characteristics of public sector entities. 2. To develop assessment and reporting systems that give appropriate weight to the dimension of innovation that must accompany sustainability efforts.

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• Univ. Institute Soc. Economy, Coop. and Entre. (IUDESCOOP)

• SOCIAL NETWORKS
• COMMUNICATION
• DISABILITY
• RARE DISEASES
• ENACTION
• COGNITIVE LINGUISTICS
• PERCEPTUAL LINGUISTICS