Futures deepdive - From Neighbors to Networks

Community-owned enterprises (COEs) are increasingly recognized as critical actors in building fair, sustainable, and resilient local economies. They emerge in response to unmet needs—whether affordable housing, green mobility, renewable energy, or dignified food access—and pioneer financing strategies that combine solidarity, creativity, and public support. Yet, these models operate within broader political, economic, and legal systems that often privilege conventional market actors. By examining four diverse cases - housing projects within Mietshäuser Syndikat (Germany), SomMobilitat (Spain), Energy Island Samsø (Denmark), and Community Grocery Shop (UK) - this study explores how communities mobilize resources, secure legitimacy, and navigate risks. By explicitly identifying emerging trends, opportunities, and structural risks, the paper aims to provide foresight-oriented insights that can inform both policy and practice in shaping future community-led finance.