Research

Euricse aims to support and conduct research activities that bridge the divide between current dominant theoretical models and the specific features characterizing cooperative and social enterprises. The defining features and modes of operation of such enterprises contradict some of the main assumptions of conventional economic theory, such as the tendency of individuals to act in their own self-interest and for firms to seek profit maximisation.

Fostering a better understanding of the characteristics, roles and potential for the development of cooperatives and social enterprises requires both theoretical and empirical research, conducted from a multidisciplinary and comparative perspective. This research, however, should maintain a balance between scientific rigor and attention to the local context, which is intrinsic to a phenomenon that has a strong community dimension.

Given its critical approach toward conventional paradigms, Euricse pursues innovative approaches such as investigations using experimental and behavioural models. Further, Euricse is interested in research able to measure the economic and social impact of cooperative and social enterprises at both the international and local levels, with particular emphasis on their contribution to development, social capital accumulation and democratization.

The Research Area staff is currently comprised of two staff members with approximately 20 external researchers. In addition, Euricse supports a varying number of post-doctoral students and visiting researchers.

Euricse places a high value in particular on the involvement of young and early-stage researchers who are interested in investigating cooperative and social enterprises from various perspectives. To this end, Euricse supports Ph.D. students (5 scholarships have been awarded so far to 1 Kenyan student; 2 Italian students; 1 student from Kirghizstan and 1 from Bosnia) and postdoctoral researchers (currently 4 research grants have been awarded), who are either directly involved in Euricse’s projects or focus on their own research with Euricse’s assistance.