Internationalising Social Enterprise: A Strategy for Scotland (September 2016)

Introduction

Scotland has a long history of developing models of business for social good. Today, social enterprises continue to play a role in the economy and have a huge impact on communities all over Scotland.

Social enterprises are businesses that trade for the common good. They tackle social problems, strengthen communities, improve people's life chances, and protect the environment. They reinvest any profits to deliver on this social purpose.

Our strong political and economic support for social enterprise in Scotland has created a world-leading ecosystem of support. It has created the conditions where Scottish social enterprises can thrive. It has also given rise to a growing number of social enterprises with an international outlook and impact.

This document sets out the Scottish Government's ambitions for international excellence, leadership, and impact in the social enterprise field. Our commitment in this field is intended to contribute to sustainable economic growth domestically and to increase the presence and impact of Scottish social enterprises across the world. In doing so we hope to enhance Scotland's reputation and attractiveness to others.

We have brought forward this strategy in partnership with Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the British Council and representatives from the social enterprise movement in Scotland.

The document describes our shared vision and collective commitment to Internationalising Social Enterprise.