The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has published an assessment of inclusive businesses and social enterprises across ASEAN, recommending a regional framework for social enterprises that complements existing inclusive business instruments. The framework would promote more consistent legal recognition, accreditation and incentives across member states, while improving access to finance and markets, business support, impact measurement and data collection. The OECD also recommends helping social enterprises scale into commercially viable inclusive business models through blended finance, public and private co-investment, credit guarantees, digital support and cross-border knowledge sharing. These measures would address fragmented regulation, shortages of skilled workers and financing gaps, particularly for enterprises seeking less than USD 200,000 or moving beyond seed funding. The region has nearly 1 million social enterprises, but national support varies widely and inclusive businesses lack legal recognition across ASEAN.
2026-09-20OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recommends ASEAN framework to scale inclusive businesses and social enterprises
The OECD recommends an ASEAN framework to align legal recognition, accreditation and support for social enterprises with existing inclusive business policies. It also calls for blended finance, digital support and common impact measurement to help these businesses scale and overcome fragmented regulation and funding gaps.