The promotion of the Social and Solidarity Economy in Chile: the University Network of Social and Solidarity Economy

Abstract

The University Network of Social and Solidarity Economy of Chile (RUESS Chile) was founded in 2017, after various contacts between academics and researchers developed throughout forums and academic events, held both in Chile and in other South American countries. After seven years of operation, it is convenient to make a strategic assessment of the achievements, shortcomings and emerging issues that have emerged since its creation. Thus, based on the analysis of the content of the minutes of the RUESS Chile meetings, in addition to the review of secondary information generated within the framework of the activities of this network and the participant observation of the author, in his capacity as coordinator of RUESS Chile, this article takes stock of what has been done in terms of promoting the social and solidarity economy, seeking to contribute to a strategic reflection on issues that should be considered in a new exercise of collective planning and that may constitute lessons for other university network initiatives in Latin America.