Work Integration Social Enterprises and the Labour Market Integration of Foreign-Born Women: Policy Recommendations

Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) aim to create employment opportunities and pathways for personal development for people who face difficulties entering the labour market. They combine business activities with support measures such as work training and rehabilitation, often operating within the social economy.

These enterprises are financed through both the sale of goods and services and contracts or assignments from public-sector organisations. Research shows that WISEs often adopt a holistic approach to supporting individuals, helping more people move closer to employment, although the process typically requires time and long-term commitment.

At the same time, WISEs face several challenges. These include developing sustainable business models and securing long-term funding, as well as strengthening collaboration with public-sector stakeholders. Another important area for development is improving outreach to and inclusion of foreign-born women, a group that is often underrepresented in labour market initiatives.

The research project Women for Integration has examined how WISEs can develop working methods that better support this target group. The findings demonstrate how approaches can be improved, disseminated, and contribute to a more inclusive labour market.

Policy recommendations

Based on the findings presented, the following recommendations are proposed:

• Establish long-term and stable collaboration with WISEs

Municipalities and other public actors should actively maintain and stabilise their relationships with WISEs. Stability in relationships, funding, and assignments is essential for WISEs to plan, build capacity, and develop sustainable work integration initiatives. Public actors should act as long-term, predictable partners rather than relying on short-term or project-based collaboration.

• Develop target group-specific expertise within WISEs

WISEs should continue to develop and deepen their expertise regarding their target groups. It is particularly important to integrate language training and work practice into daily operations and to design interventions based on a deep understanding of participants’ real-life conditions, resources, and constraints. This strengthens both quality and long-term sustainability.

• Strengthen networks for learning and capacity building

Networks between WISEs, municipalities, and other actors should be given a more central and long-term role. They are key arenas for knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and collective learning—especially in times of uncertainty or cutbacks. Investing in and maintaining network structures is a strategic prerequisite for capacity building and innovation.

Recognise WISEs as strategic partners in integration policy

Policymakers need to more clearly recognise WISEs as key actors in labour market integration. Rather than treating them as peripheral or temporary elements of the welfare system, they should be seen as co-creating partners in the development of integration policy. This includes involving WISEs in policy development, public procurement, and long-term planning.

About the Authors

Nanna Gillberg is Associate Professor of Business Administration at the Department of Business Administration, University of Gothenburg.

Maria Norbäck is Professor of Business Administration at the Department of Business Administration, University of Gothenburg.

Patrik Zapata is Professor of Public Administration at the School of Public Administration, University of Gothenburg.

Emma Ek-Österberg is Associate Professor of Public Administration at the School of Public Administration, University of Gothenburg.

María José Zapata Campos is Professor of Management and Organization and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg.