Publications & Thought Leadership

Mobilizing the Canadian Social Purpose Ecosystem is a summary of research and recommendations on how to build the social purpose ecosystem in Canada. Led by MaRS Discovery District in collaboration with the Canadian Purpose Economy Project, Mobilizing the Canadian Social Purpose Ecosystem investigated the current state of social purpose awareness and interest. Coro was the lead author and researcher. Interviews were conducted with nearly 70 social purpose business ecosystem stakeholders to better understand their organizations’ relationships with social purpose, their interest in contributing to the advancement of social purpose in Canada, potential actions they might take, and to identify other actors in the larger ecosystem.

Mobilizing the Canadian Social Purpose Ecosystem confirmed that the Canadian social purpose ecosystem is in its infancy. While interest is widespread, shared definitions and frameworks, coordinated action, and sectoral engagement vary widely across the country.

The research revealed theories of change for several leverage points, believed to be critical to accelerate social purpose in the economy including the following and more:

• Corporate boards
• Investors
• Accountants
• Procurement
• Associations
• Federal Government
• Business Schools

Mobilizing the Canadian Social Purpose Ecosystem also sets out a number of strategies for engaging these groups to fast-track social purpose in business in Canada.

Mobilizing the Canadian Social Purpose Ecosystem concluded that to accelerate social purpose in business, ecosystem actors need to be identified, understood, engaged, and connected. With the right mix of support and engagement, Canada is poised for social purpose business to take off and grow.