This study aims to explore strategies for revitalizing the social economy ecosystem in local communities, focusing on the structural linkages within the social economy of Dong-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City. Effective collaboration and organic connection...
This study aims to explore strategies for revitalizing the social economy ecosystem in local communities, focusing on the structural linkages within the social economy of Dong-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City. Effective collaboration and organic connections among various local actors are essential for building a sustainable ecosystem. Dong-gu has introduced a social economy model based on community participation to address local issues. However, limitations remain due to institutional shortcomings, fragmented inter-organizational cooperation, and an overreliance on administrative-led policies. To address this, the study analyzes four key areas of linkage: internal operational ties, institution-based ties centered on enterprises, external community connections, and council-centered institutional cooperation. Survey results show that internal networks among practitioners and within enterprises are relatively strong, while collaboration between enterprises and with external organizations is weak. In particular, the linkage between enterprises and the council, as well as among councils themselves, is critically underdeveloped. These findings highlight the need to strengthen the council’s role as a central coordinating body in both institutional and functional terms. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the connectivity and sustainability of the local social economy ecosystem.