Evidence library

More than 50% of social enterprises (SEs) in the UK have adopted technology to innovate their products and services. However, there remains a limited understanding of the individual experiences of SEs in technology adoption.

This report systematically explores the opportunities and barriers that SEs encounter when engaging with technologies. Specifically, it provides an overview of SE practitioners' interactions with technology in the Scottish context to initiate a conversation on the impact of technology adoption on SEs.

Key findings

• 68% of SEs reported that they have adopted new technologies during the years 2021 and 2022.
• Business-oriented SEs are more inclined to adopt technology: 92% (business-oriented) vs 61% (social-oriented)
• Among the SEs who adopted technologies, the top three new technologies adopted are:
  • 36% Operational Systems (e.g. payment software, inventory systems),
  • 25% Online Platforms (e.g. organisation websites, fundraising websites),
  • 22% Admin Infrastructure (e.g. email, Microsoft Office 365, Online meeting apps)
• 55% of SEs obtained information directly from technology providers, while only 7% relied on intermediary organisations when seeking advice on technology adoption.