Innovative laboratory for reciprocal entrepreneurship in the social economy (LIDERES)

Introduction

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative, supported through the ADELANTE Window, brought together academic institutions, public sector agencies, and business organisations from Bolivia, Mexico, and Spain to develop collaborative models for supporting social entrepreneurship. It laid the foundation for the creation of the LÍDERES network—Innovative Laboratory for Reciprocal Entrepreneurship in the Social Economy—which aims to design, test, and implement approaches that foster inclusive development through the social economy.

The Initiative built on strong existing partnerships, including the collaboration between Tecnológico de Monterrey and the Government of Cantabria in social innovation, and between Tecnológico de Monterrey and CAINCO in Bolivia through the AL-INVEST programme. These relationships facilitated the exchange of models such as the Comillas Hub for Social Entrepreneurship and Educational Innovation in Spain and Santa Cruz Innova in Bolivia.

By leveraging the complementary strengths of public, private, and academic actors—and with the involvement of Ashoka Mexico and Fundación Carolina—the Initiative developed a replicable, context-adapted support model for social entrepreneurship. Field visits, training sessions, and interactive events enriched the process, generating valuable insights and building momentum for long-term collaboration. The Initiative contributed directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in employment, innovation, inclusion, and local development.

Objectives

This Initiative strengthened the capacities of the participating entities and their local partners to design and implement social entrepreneurship support models tailored to regional contexts (tapping into the unique characteristics of the region and the strengths of each of the actors). Drawing on local assets and institutional expertise, it aimed to contribute to territorial development strategies that reduce inequality and promote social cohesion.

Project activities

A series of study visits:

• To Jalisco, Mexico, including participation in 'Changemaker Day 2021' and training on circular economy and social innovation models.
• To Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to explore CAINCO’s work and support an idea competition for social entrepreneurship.
• To Cantabria, Spain, to analyse public policies and strategic partnerships in the social economy, including visits to the 'Comillas Hub'.

Technical consultancies and contextual training for finalists of the idea competition in Bolivia.

Two seminars (opening and closing) to define objectives, actors, outputs, and present outcomes and roadmaps.

Networking and training activities involving over 300 beneficiaries across the three regions.

Collaborative design of a new regional model for reciprocal social entrepreneurship, supported by the LÍDERES platform.

Expected results

The Initiative significantly enhanced the capacity of all partners to support social entrepreneurship in their respective regions. Through hands-on engagement in visits, training, and consultancies, the partners co-developed a model that draws on local and institutional strengths. This model is now being implemented in Bolivia and beyond, with CAINCO taking a leading role through Santa Cruz Innova.

In addition to its structured activities, the Initiative fostered long-term partnerships and joint efforts. For example, CAINCO has since launched an incubation methodology programme in collaboration with Tecnológico de Monterrey and IDB Lab, while the Government of Cantabria has supported environmental sustainability programmes for Santa Cruz businesses via AL-INVEST 6.0.

The knowledge generated has been integrated into the strategies of all partner institutions, increasing their visibility and influence in the field of social entrepreneurship. Public dissemination and inclusion in wider networks ensure the continued growth and replication of the model across Latin America and Europe.

The LÍDERES platform now stands as a lasting legacy of this Initiative—a space for ongoing collaboration, knowledge transfer, and shared impact in the realm of social economy and inclusive development.

Implementing partners

Cámara de Industria, Comercio, Servicios y Turismo de Santa Cruz – CAINCO (Bolivia) – Beneficiary

Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Mexico) – First Provider

Consejería de Economía y Hacienda del Gobierno de Cantabria (Spain) – Second Provider