The 10th Meeting of the University Network for Social and Solidarity Economy is organised by the University of Luxembourg and the European Institute for Solidarity based Economy, from 2-4 June 2010 at Campus Limpertsberg.

The University of Luxembourg and the European Institute for Solidarity based Economy (INEES) are organising the 10th Meeting of the University Network for Social and Solidarity Economy (RIUESS). This year’s conference is entitled “Developing a theoretical framework for social and solidarity economy: in view of an alternative model for society” and it will take place at the University of Luxembourg from June 2 to June 4, 2010.

The introductory round-table will host Mr Romain Schneider, Delegate Minister of the Solidarity Economy in Luxembourg, Mr Claude Wehenkel, Professor Dr., Vice-president of INEES and Mr Romain Biever, Managing Director of Objectif Plein Emploi Network. The conference will conclude with speeches by Mr Nicolas Schmit, Minister of Labour and Employment, and Mr Apostolos Ioakimidis, Unit "Social economy, associations, cooperatives and mutuals" of DG Industry and Enterprises of the European Commission, and a representative of RIUESS.

Over a period of ten years the meetings of the University Network for Social and Solidarity Economy and many scientific events have dealt with a variety of topics that have increased the understanding of the various challenges, areas and problems facing the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) (see www.riuess.org). Despite the amount of research on and publications concerning SSE, there is still no agreement even internally as to its shape or foundation. By comparison with traditional theories and analyses, this is certainly a scientific weakness.

The problem needs to be resolved and the tenth anniversary of RIUESS presents an opportunity to do so. There is a need to draw on what has been learned over the years while laying the foundations for the next ten years. Without agreement on what social and solidarity economy is and where disagreements about it lie, researchers into SSE could dissipate or lose their objective.

Identifying the foundations is essential if SSE is to be a credible alternative to prevailing economic thought. Without anticipating the outcome - SSE concepts need considerable discussion among its various schools of thought - SSE is increasingly distancing itself from the prevailing, itself controversial, model. It is important now to look at the true similarities and differences between the concepts.

To achieve this, 3 series of workshops, 3 plenary sessions and 2 round tables are organised with esteemed personalities of social solidarity economy such as researchers, PhD students and the actors themselves as producers of thought.
Registration is required and seating availability is limited; for more information please visit the website of RIUESS.