Equity in Supply Chains: Unlocking a Fairer Future

Equity is essential in green and digital supply chains, but how exactly is this achieved? This question drives the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2025 report Unlocking the Social Economy: Towards Equity in the Green and Digital Transitions.
Developed alongside Deloitte and the Schwab Foundation, the report highlights the critical role of the social economy in fostering equity within global economic shifts.
By addressing inequality and promoting inclusive growth, the report argues that social enterprises are shaping a more stable, resilient global economy.
The framework aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in reducing poverty, creating decent work opportunities, decreasing inequality and building sustainable communities.
However, achieving this requires more than treating everyone equally. It calls for equity, which the WEF defines as providing resources and opportunities tailored to specific needs, creating fair outcomes that take different starting points into account.
The supply chain opportunity in green and digital transitions
The report emphasises that while the green and digital transitions offer massive opportunities, they could worsen inequalities if left unchecked. These transformations are already reshaping supply chains, industries and jobs globally.
The green transition, focusing on decarbonisation and environmental sustainability, is estimated to generate US$10.1tn (£8.2tn) in business opportunities and create 395 million new jobs by 2030.
Similarly, the digital economy accounted for more than 15.5% of global GDP in 2022. But these benefits remain unevenly distributed. For instance, 2.6 billion people still lack reliable internet access and 760 million people live without electricity.
This is where the social economy can make a real difference. Social enterprises prioritise social and environmental impact over profit. With around 10 million social enterprises globally generating US$2tn (£1.6tn) in annual turnover, they are positioned to drive equitable change.
Daniel Nowack, Head of Social Innovation at the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and the WEF, puts it plainly: “The green and digital transitions are not just about technology—they are about people and their agency to drive change.”
“Social entrepreneurs are leading change by creating resilient jobs, expanding access to essential services, and strengthening the foundations of a fair and equitable economy,” Daniel adds.
Four ways social enterprises build equity
The report highlights four ways social enterprises are addressing inequalities through supply chains and beyond:
Employment and skill development: Social enterprises play a key role in reducing unemployment and bridging skills gaps, particularly for marginalised groups.
They are expected to train and employ 200 million people from underrepresented populations. This targeted approach ensures those left out of traditional economic opportunities gain access to jobs in the emerging green and digital sectors.
Inclusive employment strategies also enhance economic stability by extending the benefits of these transitions across broader sections of society.
Affordable and accessible goods and services: Social enterprises excel at making essential goods and services more affordable and accessible, particularly for underserved communities.
By leveraging technology, employing tiered pricing strategies, and adopting circular economy models (which focus on recycling and reuse), they ensure a wider distribution of the benefits from these transitions.
This is crucial for marginalised populations, many of whom might otherwise be excluded from the advantages of green and digital innovations.
Financial inclusion: is another area where social enterprises drive equity. Through impact investing, microfinance, and fintech, these organisations are providing US$1.6tn (£1.3tn) in finance and investment, often targeting marginalised groups.
By democratising access to finance, social enterprises empower individuals and communities to actively participate in green and digital economies. This grassroots-level support fosters sustainable development in regions that would otherwise be left out of global progress.
Policy influence and collaboration: Lastly, the report calls for governments to prioritise policies that promote the social economy.
It recommends specific measures such as tax incentives, subsidies for essential products and social criteria in procurement. These policies can support social enterprises and drive equitable outcomes.
Collaboration between public and private sectors is also critical. Governments and businesses must work together to address systemic challenges and ensure a fairer distribution of the benefits from these global transitions.
Equity as a key pillar of resilient supply chains
At its core, the WEF report argues that equity is not a by-product of green and digital transitions—it is central to their success. As global supply chains shift towards sustainability and digital transformation, equity in resources, opportunities and outcomes becomes indispensable.
“Social innovation is a tool that allows everyone to be an actor in these massive transformations—not just a subject to them,” concludes Daniel.
By putting equity at the centre, social enterprises are showing that a greener, more digital future can also be a fairer one.
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