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Centre for Inclusive Societies and Economies

Welcome to the Centre for Inclusive Societies and Economies (CISE), where we embark on an interdisciplinary journey of exploration into pressing societal and economic issues. Led by esteemed scholars, our centre delves into a diverse array of themes, each aimed at understanding and addressing the complexities of our modern world. From Artificial Intelligence and business environments to the intricate dynamics of behavioural economics, our research delves deep into the realms of higher education evaluation, inclusive finance, equality and employment, regional economics, social epidemiology, modern slavery, networks and innovation, pluralism, and political economy.

The CISE undertakes interdisciplinary research and policy analysis aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development trajectories that benefit individuals and communities across different contexts.

Formerly known as the Centre for Pluralist Economics (CPE), the CISE is renowned for producing world-leading research and impact, as evidenced by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework outcomes, including its world-leading impact case studies:

The CISE analyses policies and practices aimed at promoting inclusion and reducing disparities based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic status. It studies strategies to enhance economic opportunities and financial security for marginalized or disadvantaged groups, including access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and financial services. Moreover, the CISE examines the intersection of economic growth, and social equity, with a focus on promoting sustainable development pathways that benefit all members of society. It researches governance structures, public policies, and institutional arrangements aimed at fostering inclusive decision-making processes, accountable governance, and responsive public services. Furthermore, it explores issues related to regional disparities, including access to infrastructure, services, and opportunities in both urban and rural areas. The CISE examines the protection and promotion of human rights, social justice, and the rule of law, with a focus on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background or identity.

The policy implications of the CISE members’ research have been utilised by international organisations and institutions such as: the Council of Europe, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the Government Equalities Office, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Competition and Markets Authority, the European Commission, the International Labour Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the World Bank.

For more information on the centre, please contact the Director of the Centre, Professor Dr Nick Drydakis at [email protected].

Objectives

1. To contribute to debates about current issues and challenges facing the discipline of economics through an interdisciplinary approach.

2. To influence policy decision-making by examining a wide range of decisions, alternatives, and their implications.

3. To value critical openness to different perspectives, theories, and methods, and encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration.

4. To emphasize a preference for diversity and willingness to learn over uniformity.

5. To reshape classroom practice by promoting pluralism in economics education.

CISE Research Clusters

The CISE operates through 12 clusters. These clusters conduct primary research, produce impactful research, host workshops and conferences, consult with stakeholders, engage in funding projects, and provide training.

  1. Artificial Intelligence and Business Environments (Lead: Dr Nick Drydakis, Professor)
  2. Behavioural Economics (Lead: Dr Daniela Raeva-Beri, Senior Lecturer)
  3. Higher Education Evaluation (Lead: Dr Denise Hawkes, Professor)
  4. Inclusive Finance (Lead: Dr Xin Sheng, Associate Professor)
  5. International Business (Lead: Dr Pi-Chi Chen, Senior Lecturer)
  6. Equality and Employment (Lead: Dr Anna Paraskevopoulou, Associate Professor)
  7. Geography and Regional Economics (Lead: Dr Franziska Sohns, Associate Professor)
  8. Labour Economics and Social Epidemiology (Lead: Dr Nick Drydakis, Professor)
  9. Modern Slavery (Lead: PhD.c. Antonietta Balestra, Lecturer)
  10. Networks and Innovation (Lead: Dr Emanuele Giovannetti, Professor)
  11. Pluralism and Methodology (Lead: Dr Imko Meyenburg, Senior Lecturer)
  12. The Political Economy of China’s Economic Development (Lead: Dr Alexandre Gomes, Research Fellow)