Artificial Intelligence and Social Economy

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social and solidarity economy (SSE) organizations offers both opportunities and challenges for the sector's core values of solidarity, democracy, and social justice. While AI can enhance innovation, efficiency, and social inclusion, it also raises questions about its alignment with SSE principles. This chapter uses a multilevel quantitative approach and hierarchical linear modeling to analyze AI adoption in a representative sample of SSE organizations, considering both organizational and contextual factors. The findings indicate that AI's positive impact on efficiency and social innovation is real, but its ability to advance a solidarity-based transformation depends on internal resources, leadership, institutional support, and inclusive practices. AI strengthens the SSE's social mission only when embedded in participatory and democratic frameworks.