Strategies to Change Systems Toward an Inclusive Economy

Authors

  • Maria Mayan University of Alberta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7623-1230
  • Claire Brandenbarg University of Alberta
  • Janelle Knoop University of Alberta
  • Brooks Hanewich Edmonton Community Development Company
  • Susannah Cameron Edmonton Community Development Company

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/cjnser799

Keywords:

inclusive economy, qualitative, systems change, poverty, fourth space

Abstract

Poverty is a complex issue that requires systemic and collaborative responses. This article examines the systems change strategies implemented by the Inclusive Economy Team at EndPovertyEdmonton (EPE) to address poverty through inclusive economic development. Using community-based participatory and strategic learning approaches, data were drawn from internal documents, learning debriefs, and 26 interviews with EPE staff and network members. Five strategies emerged: building networks, advocating for policy change, advancing economic reconciliation, testing approaches to shift economic systems, and fostering learning in inclusive procurement and workforce development. The Inclusive Economy Team functioned as a convenor and “fourth space” actor, bridging nonprofit, government, and business sectors. These findings illustrate how nonprofit actors can support social innovation and influence policy through collaborative, equity-oriented systems change.

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Author Biographies

Maria Mayan, University of Alberta

Maria Mayan is an engaged scholar at the University of Alberta. She situates her work at the intersection of government, not-for-profit, disadvantaged, and clinician communities.

Claire Brandenbarg, University of Alberta

Claire Brandenbarg is an interdisciplinary researcher and advocate who holds a Masters in Natural Resources Management from the University of Manitoba.

Janelle Knoop, University of Alberta

Janelle Knoop is a Research Coordinator at the Community-University Partnership, University of Alberta. In this role, she conducts poverty-related research from a community-based approach. 

Brooks Hanewich, Edmonton Community Development Company

Brooks is an experienced leader focused on community economic development, social enterprise, and systems change. 

Susannah Cameron, Edmonton Community Development Company

Susannah has worked on strategy development and implementation in the community economic development sector. She’s lived and worked in Edmonton, Brandon and Toronto, Canada.

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Published

2026-02-23

Issue

Vol. 17

Section

Research Note

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Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Mayan, Claire Brandenbarg, Janelle Knoop, Brooks Hanewich, Susannah Cameron

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