Research
Explore solutions to key questions and considerations with social procurement and social enterprise research services.
Research services include:
- Market capacity research
- Jurisdictional scans
- Stakeholder interviews
- Survey design and delivery
- Qualitative data analysis
- Case studies and storytelling
What to expect
Our Approach
Working in collaboration with your organization, we will conduct research to explore solutions to your key questions. The Buy Social Canada team brings extensive knowledge of the complexities and nuances of the field of social procurement and has experience diving deep into nuanced areas. We conduct research using a variety of methods, including interviews, online research, and surveys.
Market Capacity
Establish a baseline and set data-informed targets for social procurement and inclusive employment.
Jurisdictional Scan
Present an overview of similar policies or practices with key information and links.
Stakeholder Interviews
Conduct interviews to learn from key stakeholders related to your chosen research question.
Data Analysis
All research projects include reports and analysis of our findings, including qualitative and quantitative data.
Case Studies and Storytelling
Share stories from projects, procurements or outcomes to demonstrate what has been achieved, and what is possible.
Our Portfolio
Our research expertise ranges across social procurement areas of interest with a diverse group of clients.
AnchorTO
AnchorTO contracted Buy Social Canada to research and complete an analysis of low-barrier methods to identify and include diverse suppliers. The research found that the existing third-party certification model is based in a history of fear and risk-aversion and that to realize the goals of social procurement we must move forward with self-attestation, a model based on trust and transformation. Read the full report here.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Buy Social Canada was contracted by Employment and Social Development Canada to explore whether CBAs can serve as a potential means to support apprenticeships and construction workforce diversity opportunities, exploring the views that are supportive of, neutral on and against CBAs, and the reasons why. Our research found that we may be witnessing an evolution of positive positions and attitudes of the construction sector regarding CBAs. Read Voices of Industry to learn more, or watch the accompanying webinar.
City of Ottawa
Buy Social Canada is contracted by City of Ottawa to conduct a market capacity assessment to explore the various opportunities for Ottawa based workforce development programs, social enterprises and third party certified businesses in relation to the City’s Social Procurement Framework which will be included on future City construction, infrastructure and development projects. The market capacity assessment includes a survey and stakeholder interviews culminating in a community market assessment report.
Destination Vancouver
Buy Social Canada is contracted by Destination Vancouver to produce an annual survey and report with the goal of identifying across Destination Vancouver’s membership the current number of organizations that identify as social purpose organizations and diverse-owned businesses, and understanding member’s knowledge, perceptions and implementation of social procurement. These reports establish a baseline of social procurement activities in the Vancouver tourism sector and tell a more complete story of the positive impact of tourism, hospitality, and events. Read the 2022 Report here.