Social Enterprises, or hybrid businesses, operate with two logics, they aim at achieving a socially desired outcome and they want to make a profit, or at least break even. The research on social enterprises is limited for two main reasons: the concept itself is unclear and there is a lack in access to relevant data. At CERSEM, we specialize in microfinance research where the unit of analysis is the provider of financial services to unbanked populations. Such Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are typical examples of social enterprises. With unique access to global and other datasets, combined with solid academic research, our goal is to deepen our understanding of MFIs and of social enterprises in general. CERSEM is one of Europe’s leading research groups on social enterprises and microfinance. CERSEM also operates in close contact with industry practitioners.
Research topics:
- Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)
- Social enterprises