In Austria, the non‑profit umbrella organisation Re‑Use Austria turned the digitalisation challenge into an opportunity by building a shared online presence for its members.
In 2022, the network launched WIDADO, a joint online marketplace for second‑hand products from social enterprises across Austria. The idea had been discussed for years, but the rapid growth of e‑commerce and the COVID‑19 lockdowns made it urgent. Many organisations lacked the resources and expertise to go online alone, so a shared platform became the logical, future‑proof solution.
WIDADO is an online shop which also features an interactive map to find donation points, a system of digital vouchers for individuals at risk of poverty, customer cards and a merchandise management system. It also gathers data on the quantities of items reused, making the sector’s environmental and social impact more visible.
From the start, the platform and workflows were designed around the needs of insertion employees. Many now take photos of items, publish them online, use AI tools to create titles and descriptions, categorise products and help set prices.
To support this transition, Re‑Use Austria provided weekly online meetings to introduce tools and share ideas, followed by on‑site sessions in each organisation. Over time, member organisations took over training themselves, using clear and accessible materials that are inclusive for all users.
These efforts have helped employees build both basic and more specialised digital skills, from using computers and navigating the internet to managing online listings and inventories. Social enterprises that once worked mostly at the regional level are now collaborating nationwide, pooling their capacities without giving up their independence.
With WIDADO, Re‑Use Austria shows how a joint online platform can strengthen the entire social and circular sector. By moving online together, its members are adapting their business models to new realities while expanding access to affordable second‑hand goods and creating new, more inclusive pathways into work.
