As part of the 10th EMES International Research Conference, we are excited to offer five thematic excursions that will bring you closer to real-world examples of social enterprise, cooperative initiatives, and sustainable innovation. These excursions are an opportunity to engage directly with inspiring practices that reflect the core themes of the conference.

Please note that the conference will take place in two locations: Rotterdam and Utrecht.
The first two days of the event, along with the morning of Day 3, will be held in Rotterdam. After the excursions, the conference will continue in Utrecht.

Transportation between the two cities will be provided only to participants registered for an excursion.
If you are not attending an excursion, please be aware that you will need to arrange your own travel to Utrecht.

We kindly ask that you select one excursion to attend. Spots are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of social and solidarity economy initiatives in the field!

Excursion 1: Social Inclusion and Work-Integration

How can work become a tool for belonging?
This excursion explores how social enterprises create inclusive futures through meaningful employment for newcomers, ex-offenders, and youth. You’ll visit Plan Einstein in Utrecht, an award-winning initiative where refugees and local residents live and learn together, fostering mutual growth from day one. Another stop includes A Beautiful Mess, a creative studio and restaurant where refugees and locals collaborate on design, crafts, and cuisine — final details to be confirmed.
These initiatives show how work can transcend economics — becoming a platform for healing, dignity, and connection.

Excursion 2: Local Cooperative Food Systems

What if food could feed both people and communities?
This tour takes you into the heart of fair, local, and sustainable food systems. A confirmed stop includes Rotterdamse Munt, an urban herb garden that brings residents together around edible landscapes and shared green spaces. Along the way, you’ll meet food cooperatives and urban farmers reimagining food as a tool for connection and empowerment — more partners will be announced soon.
Expect to get your hands dirty, hear from changemakers on the ground, and taste the flavours of social innovation.

Excursion 3: Circular Economy

Can waste become the start of something new?
Join us as we explore how social enterprises are leading the shift toward a circular economy — one that reuses, repairs, and reinvents. Visits will spotlight creative approaches to upcycling, resource efficiency, and sustainable design. They will also showcase striking co-working community built entirely from reclaimed materials and home to circular pioneers. Final partners will be announced soon.
This tour reveals how a resource-smart mindset can open space for creativity, community, and climate resilience.

Excursion 4: Incubators and Accelerators (Utrecht-focused)

Where do social entrepreneurs go to grow?
This deep dive into Utrecht’s vibrant impact ecosystem introduces you to the people and places powering the next generation of changemakers. You’ll visit the Social Impact Factory, a dynamic hub for mission-driven startups, the Playground, Utrecht University’s hotspot where students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and meet funders like FNO Impact through Growth, which backs social ventures that aim to scale their impact. You’ll gain insights into how students and purpose-driven enterprises are supported from idea to scale — and the local networks behind them.

Excursion 5: Community-Based Entrepreneurship (Rotterdam-focused)

How do neighbourhoods reinvent themselves from the inside out?
This excursion highlights the power of grassroots enterprise in shaping resilient, inclusive communities. In Rotterdam, you’ll explore Het Wijkpaleis, a creative community space that brings residents together around shared projects and ambitions. You’ll also meet VoorGoed, the city’s platform for social entrepreneurship — with more locally rooted initiatives to come.
Discover how citizens are reclaiming agency and reimagining neighbourhoods not just as places to live, but as places to lead.