MORSE Theme Subcategories – current/past Research

The commons and the social economy (Prof. René Kemp)

Currently we have a climate emergency, an increase in inequality (the wealth goes to the rich), a rapid decline of biodiversity, a growing opposition to the mainstream media, and an endemic blame game. In sum, we have a climate, environmental, social, cultural and authority crisis. The new social contract aims to make society more just and inclusive, based on values such as responsibility and care for nature and people (a natural social contract). Furthermore, new forms of ownership, equitable distribution of surpluses and business models based on multiple value creation (partnerships with non-governmental organisations) are means for change. Prof. René Kemp also calls for action: We should make more use of the power of citizenship in ecosystem regeneration, green consumption and energy communities, and link them to an inclusive growth agenda. The economics of the common good, the economics of the commons, welfare economics and the 17 sustainable development goals to transform our world are already helping to respond.

Prof. René Kemp concludes the pitch with possible research questions:

How to make a commons-based economy something for business, government and science?

What is the role for a more local economy

Can two economies (a private profit one and one aimed at collective benefits) co-exist (and benefit from each other)?

Sustainable Employability in the 21st Century (Dr. Ruud Gerards)

Dr Ruud Gerards pointed out that sustainable employment is threatened from many directions: (1) Technology in the workplace: new forms of work, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, leading to increased demand in these skill areas. (2) Technology in private life: digital management and finance. This raises the question of whether technology is healthy in terms of personal finances. (3) Institutional changes that increase pressure on individuals.

Due to these threats, workers need to be more resilient to cope with the multitude of changes. Therefore, human resource decision makers need to look for new ways to facilitate this for workers. The aim of this research is to give workers, companies, and policy makers a better insight into the factors and threats to worker resilience. The focus is on workers' well-being and sustainable employability in the context of changes in the workplace, societal institutions, and the private sphere.

Business Models for a Circular Economy (Prof. Nancy Bocken)

Prof. Nancy Bocken´s project on "Business Models for a Circular Economy" is a five-year research project from 2020 to 2025 with costs of 1.5 million euros. It is also supported by a team of six researchers, visitors, and staff. It is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and is therefore linked to the ERC Circular X project. The project focuses on experimenting with circular service business models and has several objectives: (1) Improving the understanding of circular business models, their emergence and impact. (2) To increase the knowledge of circular business model experimentation. (3) Develop tools for experimentation. (4) Design and set up experimental laboratories. Overall, the aim is to advance the transition to a circular economy.

Social and Sustainable Entrepreneurship (Prof. Martin Caree and Dr. Jarrod Ormiston)

The community consists of 32 academics with expertise and interest in social/sustainable entrepreneurship from different disciplines (finance, UNU merit, etc.) and different career stages (PhD students, associate professors, and professors). Core themes of the project are (1) Ecosystems for Social Entrepreneurship, (2) Impact Investment/Finance, (3) Sustainable Business Models, (4) Measuring Social Impact, (5) Multiple Value Creation, (6) Gender and Entrepreneurship and (7) Education for Social/Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

Prof. Martin Caree and Dr. Jarrod Ormiston mentioned possible collaborations in the areas of migration, sustainable finance, emotions, and entrepreneurship. Possible initiatives also include interdepartmental doctoral seminars, qualitative research talks and/or the minor in sustainability (SSE course).