We were delighted to welcome Linda Lundgaard Andersen and Sophie Nørgaard Kallehauge from Roskilde University (Denmark) to the Competence Centre.

As partners in the Horizon Europe project ASSETS (Advancements in Social Economy through Technological Solutions), we spent several productive days working together on the next steps of our joint research on the Social Economy. Our collaboration currently focuses on analysing how social economy organisations contribute to social inclusion and the creation of quality jobs, while also examining how political, regulatory, and institutional frameworks shape their capacity to generate social impact across Europe. By combining expertise from different national contexts, the project aims to develop evidence-based insights that can support both policymakers and practitioners in strengthening the social economy.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to advance the preparation of joint scientific outputs, discuss upcoming dissemination activities, coordinate future research tasks within the consortium, and exchange perspectives on emerging developments in the field. These in-person meetings play an important role in aligning research approaches and fostering new ideas for future collaboration.

Beyond our project meetings, we were pleased to introduce our guests to South Tyrol's unique cooperative ecosystem. The programme included a visit to GINKO–Genossenschaft für Innovation und Kooperation, where we explored innovative cooperative practices and discussed the role of cooperation in promoting social innovation and sustainable regional development. The visit offered valuable insights into how local initiatives can address societal challenges while creating lasting benefits for communities.

International collaboration and knowledge exchange are essential ingredients of impactful research. Bringing together researchers with different perspectives not only enriches our work but also strengthens the European network dedicated to advancing the social economy. We thank Sophie and Linda for the inspiring discussions, their valuable contributions, and the enjoyable time spent together, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation throughout the ASSETS project.