Bridging the Gap: Strengthening SEOs’ role in Engaged Research

As part of the RISE project’s mission to foster inclusive and impactful research practices, a series of workshops were recently held across Germany, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, and others. These sessions aimed to uncover the challenges that Social Economy Organisations (SEOs) face in participating in Engaged Research (ER). The workshops brought together a diverse mix of SEO representatives and other key stakeholders from academia, policy, and the private sector to collaboratively explore barriers, gaps, and opportunities.

At the heart of these workshops was the co-created Competency Framework for Engaged Research, developed in collaboration with all RISE project partners. Based on existing models and adapted specifically for this initiative, the framework outlines three core dimensions: personal, relational, and technical competencies. These were mapped against the stages of the research process, enabling participants to reflect on where their organisation currently stands and what is needed to enhance their participation in Engaged Research.

The workshops revealed a number of recurring challenges experienced by SEOs, regardless of their size or national context. While some had prior research experience or dedicated staff, many lacked the structural integration of research within their organisation. Often, research was viewed as something external to their mission. Moreover, limitations in resources, research culture, and sustained partnerships further restrict SEOs’ ability to meaningfully participate in ER projects.

Key Barriers Identified

One of the most pressing issues identified during the workshops was the difficulty in collaborating with academia. Participants frequently cited mismatched expectations, differing working cultures, and a lack of shared language. Many SEOs felt sidelined in research projects and expressed concerns about extractive practices and the absence of long-term collaboration.

Access to funding and resources was another significant barrier. Many organisations struggled to identify or apply for funding and were heavily reliant on short-term grants, making it difficult to plan strategically or ensure continuity after projects ended.

Research design and inclusive stakeholder engagement also posed challenges. Balancing academic standards with community needs proved difficult, and there were gaps in methods for co-creation and participatory planning. Similarly, limitations in data management and evaluation practices prevented many SEOs from fully measuring or understanding the impact of their work.

The issue of sustainability emerged repeatedly. Projects often ended without follow-up or long-term planning, missing opportunities for deeper learning and institutional change. Likewise, influencing policy remained a challenge, with many organisations lacking the advocacy skills, communications tools, or strategic positioning needed to bring their findings into the political arena.

Lastly, ethical concerns – especially around working with vulnerable communities – were raised, highlighting the need for clearer, practical guidance on inclusive and responsible research.

Looking Ahead

The insights gathered through these workshops will directly inform the development of a tailored training programme to support SEO staff in building their research capacity. By addressing the challenges identified, the RISE project aims to empower SEOs to become active contributors to the research landscape, bringing in new perspectives, strengthening community relevance, and ultimately shaping more inclusive and impactful research outcomes.

Agostina Blanchi & Mireia Ros - Science For Change