The Deal4Good training programme begins with a crucial foundation: Module 1 – Introduction to Social Public Procurement (SPP) and the Social Economy. As the first of eight modules, it sets the conceptual and practical groundwork for understanding how economic activities and public spending can be leveraged to generate meaningful social impact.
Why this module matters
Across Europe, public authorities spend a significant share of GDP on goods, services and infrastructure. Traditionally, these decisions focused primarily on price and efficiency. Today, however, there is growing recognition that public spending can, and should, create broader social value.
Module 1 introduces learners to this shift. It highlights how procurement is no longer just an administrative process, but a strategic tool for promoting inclusion, fairness, sustainability and economic resilience. At the same time, it explores the role of the social economy as a key driver of inclusive growth and innovation.
This Module is essential because it:
- Demonstrates how public spending can support social missions and inclusive business models
- Helps social economy actors understand how to access public markets
- Supports public authorities in aligning procurement with social and policy goals
- Contributes to building more sustainable and inclusive economies
What learners will gain
By completing Module 1, participants will develop a strong understanding of:
- Social value in public action and how it can be created through procurement
- The social economy, including its principles, actors and societal role
- The concept and objectives of Social Public Procurement (SPP)
- How social criteria can be integrated throughout the procurement cycle
- The connection between procurement, policy priorities, and social impact
Learners will also build practical skills, such as:
- Identifying opportunities where procurement can generate social value
- Recognising relevant social objectives (e.g. employment, inclusion, equality, sustainability)
- Analysing procurement scenarios from a social impact perspective
Beyond knowledge, the Module encourages a mindset that values innovation in public action, ethical decision-making and social responsibility.
Key topics covered
Module 1 offers a comprehensive introduction through a mix of theory and practice, including:
- The concept of social value and its importance in public spending
- An overview of the social economy and its key actors (cooperatives, social enterprises, NGOs, foundations, mutuals)
- The fundamentals of Social Public Procurement and its role in achieving social objectives
- Common social goals such as inclusive employment, fair working conditions and equality
- Practical approaches to integrating social criteria across procurement processes
- Real-life case studies and best practices from across Europe
- Methods for identifying opportunities to create social impact
A practical and engaging learning experience
Module 1 combines presentations, real-world examples, short videos, interactive exercises and reflection activities. Learners are encouraged to actively engage, think critically and connect the concepts to their own professional context. A short quiz at the end helps consolidate knowledge and reinforce key takeaways.
Building the foundation for the Deal4Good journey
As the starting point of the Deal4Good training programme, Module 1 lays the conceptual foundation for all subsequent modules. It equips learners with the essential understanding needed to explore more advanced topics, apply social innovation in practice and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
By the end of this Module, participants will not only understand the principles of Social Public Procurement and the Social Economy, but also recognise their power to drive real social change.
The Deal4Good training programme will be available online soon. Stay tuned!