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The Power of Value Proven by Numbers: Why “Impact Measurement” Has Become Important

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  Korean social impact organizations pursue both “social value” and “profit” at the same time. In other words, they create social value through business methods. Because of this, many social impact organizations in Korea were often positively recognized simply for having “good intentions.” In particular, activities such as creating jobs for vulnerable groups or solving community problems were considered meaningful in themselves.   However, as the social impact ecosystem gradually expanded, it became increasingly difficult to fully explain the role and achievements of organizations through “good intentions” alone. Especially during the previous administration, as greater emphasis was placed on the self-reliance and sustainability of the social and solidarity economy and social innovation organizations, this atmosphere spread even further.   Around 2022, the importance of impact measurement — proving “what changed and how” — began to receive serious attention. Korea...
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Is Mobility Equal for People with Disabilities?

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  We move every day without much thought. Even as I write this, I experience little inconvenience when using buses, taxis, or the subway to go out. Korea — especially Seoul — is a city with a high reliance on public transportation, and people from other regions or countries naturally use it when they visit.   However, this familiar routine can be something that others must carefully plan.   Several years ago, I had a conversation with a coworker who used an electric wheelchair. He told me, “It’s hard to take the subway,” and “It’s not easy to book a disability taxi,” adding that he wanted to get a driver’s license as soon as possible.   There are several reasons why using the subway is difficult. During rush hour, trains are crowded, and boarding with a wheelchair takes time and space, so he has to travel early in the morning before it gets busy. There is also a safety risk due to the gap between the train and the platform.   Disability taxis are...
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Is Social Impact in Korea Fragmented?: The Structure of the Social and Solidarity Economy

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  What is the Social and Solidarity Economy?❓💬   Globally, terms like “social and solidarity economy” or “social impact” are used to describe a broad range of organizations working to solve social problems.   However, Korea is both similar and different. While organizations pursuing social purposes do exist, structurally they are divided into different types. From the outside, it may look like a single ecosystem, but in reality, it is segmented into multiple systems and institutional frameworks.   Differences in Scope Between Overseas and Korea🐣   In Europe and other regions, a wide range of organizations are included within the social and solidarity economy. These include cooperatives, mutual societies, social enterprises, non-profit organizations (NPOs), foundations, and self-help groups.   In other words, both formal and informal economic activities are included, and the focus is on the “social purpose” regardless of whether the org...
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