Small-Scale Social-Environmental Enterprises in the Green Economy: Supporting grassroots innovation
To achieve a top-to-bottom growth of the “green economy,” incentives and enablers need to be identified for those micro enterprises working at the grassroots level.
A three-year study of 1,300 social and environmental enterprises in developing countries reveals how they are using new business models to develop new products and services for their communities. But their scale-up is hampered by lack of access to research and technology support and gender barriers, as well as challenges with complex partnerships, progress monitoring, and financial viability. A large pool of innovative ideas thus remains untapped, and an opportunity to build a sustainable economy is being missed.
Participating experts
You might also be interested in
Anchoring Sustainable Development in the UNIDROIT–ICC Instrument on International Investment Contracts
The UNIDROIT-ICC draft Instrument on International Investment Contracts is open for consultation, presenting a critical moment to embed sustainability.
Charting the Course
This report assesses three trajectories for Canada's industrial carbon price between 2030 and 2040.
Scaling Rural Distributed Renewable Energy in India
A practical framework to help states and distribution companies plan and scale grid-connected distributed renewable energy in rural India that supports India’s clean energy goals.
Turning Nature-Based Infrastructure Evidence Into Action
In 2025, the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre assessed projects across Asia, Africa, and South America, and contributed to securing funding for Cape Town's waterway restoration program.