The social economy is a vital driver of inclusive growth, community resilience, and cross-border collaboration across the island of Ireland. This executive summary distils the key findings from A Social Economy for a Shared Island, a 12-month research project led by Development Trusts NI (DTNI) and the Carmichael Centre, supported by the Shared Island Fund. It provides an overview of the scale, impact, and policy landscape of social enterprises in Northern Ireland and Ireland, identifying shared challenges and strategic opportunities for greater cooperation. With a focus on financial sustainability, policy alignment, and cross-border collaboration, this summary outlines practical recommendations to strengthen the sector and enhance its contribution to social and economic development across both jurisdictions.