# Aligned for Impact Improving the availability and comparability of data on social enterprise [Read the report](https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Collecting_Data_on_Social_Enterprises_2025.pdf) ## Aligning surveys for impact Surveys have long served as a key method for collecting data on social enterprise. Widely adopted by governments, membership bodies, and funders, they underpin many research efforts in the field. Yet despite their broad use, significant challenges remain in comparing data across studies due to variations in definitions, methodologies, and question design.In response, the Advisory Group on Social Enterprise Data, convened by the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, has created a shared set of survey questions. These questions represent the most frequently used indicators across more than 30 social enterprise research initiatives and aim to support greater consistency and comparability across datasets. ## A shared set of survey questions The advisory group encourages the adoption of these questions, with necessary adaptations to local contexts, to strengthen global understanding and visibility of social enterprises.Please note that this question set includes both core questions—essential for ensuring data interoperability—and thematic questions that can be adapted to fit specific contexts.For each question, you will find explanatory boxes outlining its purpose, importance (core vs. thematic), suggested and alternative formats, adaptation guidance, use cases, and how it relates to other survey questions.The questions are not necessarily meant to be asked in the order in which they appear here; instead, they should be integrated in appropriate thematic sections throughout a survey to ensure proper flow.The set of questions can be downloaded here.Reflections on the use of the shared set of survey questions from six initial pilot projects can be found here. [Download the Shared Questions](https://weforum.box.com/v/standardizedquestions) ### Core Questions The below set of questions are core; they are essential questions to ask in each survey to allow for data interoperability. ## Frequently Asked Questions *Common questions and answers* ### Thematic Questions The below set of qustions are thematic and can be adapted to fit specific contexts. ## Frequently Asked Questions *Common questions and answers* ### The Framework in Action Explore reports and interactive dashboards that apply the Aligned for Impact principles and shared questions. These examples demonstrate how a shared approach to data collection can improve comparability, generate richer insights and strengthen the evidence base for social enterprise. *Featured content carousel* ### Data Sharing The Aligned for Impact Data Governance Principles provide a shared foundation for responsible data sharing across the social enterprise ecosystem. They are designed to help diverse organizations collaborate on data while respecting legal obligations, organizational autonomy, ethical responsibilities, and local context. [Data Governance at a Glance](https://weforum.box.com/s/aszqybhg824ylqzegpmr2tdmk93mitvw) ### Join the Data Stewards group If your organization supports purpose-led enterprises or networks of such enterprises, and you collect and steward data about them to increase their visibility and inform policy, we invite you to apply to join the Data Steward group using the form below. [Apply to Join the Data Stewards Group](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpOGBAMndfAxCiQFyWr3w-tN7P1XWnBa6H216YjwI9cPc_rA/viewform) ### About Aligned for Impact (ALFI) is a collaborative initiative by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship Advisory Group on Social Enterprise Data, bringing together 29 leading organizations on data collection. If you are interested in finding out more about this initiative, please reach out to us. [Contact us](mailto:socialinnovators@weforum.org)