In our previous blog post we spoke about applying systems thinking to create an improved understanding of how to best equip and empower SESO’s in the system’s change they wish to make. Leading up to setting the goal of the SESO Development Framework as “To help identifying areas where interventions can have the most significant impact on desired outcomes, whether this is with the SESO internally or in the Social Economic/Social Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (SEE) where it operates from”. Today we are taking it one step further and zooming in on the details of the framework.
The main methodology for the framework is our strong belief that SESOs do not exist in a vacuum. Their ability to sustain and expand their work is intrinsically tied to the broader SEE in which they operate. Understanding SESO development, therefore, requires more than only an inward focus on organisational strength and future development – it necessitates a clear assessment of the external environment that influences the growth, viability and long-term impact additionally.
A SESO cannot achieve a high level of impact through internal strength alone if it lacks external legitimacy and support – and vice versa. Balanced performance across both spheres is therefore essential for sustained influence and meaningful change. The following graph is a visual illustration of the framework.
The maturity level of a SEE focuses on understanding and assessing ecosystem factors that directly affect the organisational development of SESOs. These factors measure how well the SESO is accepted, supported and able to influence within this broader network – a critical component for driving lasting impactful success.
While SESOs play a crucial role in strengthening social enterprise ecosystems, they are also organisations that undergo distinct development stages themselves. The framework aims to assess and understand SESOs’ strategising processes, governance structures, enhance decision-making processes, and align their internal capacity with their evolving roles in the ecosystem.
Mapping the maturity levels of both the SEE and the SESO itself through an assessment model is only the beginning. A crucial part of the framework is the ability to carve out a pathway for SESOs to mature further as an organisation and/or influence the maturity of the ecosystem. By applying the SESO Development Framework SESOs embed a learning environment within their organisation.
Want to learn how different actors view the SESO Development Framework? Stay then tuned to read the key take-aways from the Expert Group.
