RESEARCH GROUP IN INNOVATION FOR SOCIAL SOLIDARITY AND INCLUSIVE
ECONOMY IN ASIA, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University
254 Phaya Thai Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
< https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-group-in-innovation-for-social-solidarity-and-inclusive-economy>

The Research Group in Innovation for Social Solidarity and Inclusive Economy in Asia (ISSIE) established in 2023 under the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University. With only four permanent staff members, ISSIE aims to bridge the gap between digital technology, social innovation, and economic inclusion, with a focus on fostering social justice through responsible technological advancements. ISSIE combines academic research with real-world action to create sustainable and inclusive economic systems, empowering communities and addressing the challenges posed by digital disruption.

ISSIE’s work focuses on how innovation and digital technology transform work and jobs, particularly in automation, AI, and the gig economy, while addressing the socioeconomic impacts on workers and marginalized groups. It also explores how digital tools promote inclusivity and participation among vulnerable communities through platform cooperatives and SSE entities. Lastly, it advocates for ethical, human-centered innovation that prioritizes well-being and individual rights.

Among ISSIE’s key initiatives is Tamsang-Tamsong, a community-based food delivery and ride-hailing platform cooperative that focuses on equitable value distribution, transparency, and benefit-making among stakeholders rather than profit-making. Another notable project is “Mapping the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) landscape in Thailand”, with the International Labor Organization (ILO) to localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through SSE. ISSIE partners with the Asian Solidarity Economy Council (ASEC) to strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing SSE principles and practices. The group is also a strong advocate for platform cooperativism, engaging in global dialogues to promote worker-owned and community-driven digital platforms.

Currently, ISSIE supports student-led organization for SSE promotion through the Social Solidarity Economy Studies Center, which consists of 50 undergraduate students from computer engineering and social sciences. This initiative helps bridge the gap of knowledge and enables students to gain valuable working experience for a new generation of leaders in the SSE development in Thailand.