We research two of the biggest societal challenges of our time: (a) how can organisations and forms of organising transition to sustainable forms of production and consumption, and (b) how can we do so in an equitable and inclusive way?

Prioritising an interdisciplinary social sciences approach, we examine issues such as: sustainable business practices; diverse patterns of working and consuming; democratic forms of business ownership and governance; the changing ways in which goods and services are sourced, conceived, developed, distributed, accessed, used and disposed of; and the moral economies of ‘societal transitions’. SPICE members’ research includes work on the social and solidarity economy, degrowth and postgrowth, community wealth building, community economies, responsibility, and social justice.

We are interested in researching forms of organising that are aimed at producing inclusive, equitable and low carbon business ecosystems that operate within planetary boundaries. This means environmentally sustainable business practices; patterns of employment that reflect the population of the region and place; localising the economy; and more democratic alternatives to ownership and management. Rather than thinking about sustainability solely in terms of future planning, these are approaches that also impact our present conditions of living.

Our research engages directly with a wide range of partners, including third sector and civil society organisations, social and solidarity economy organisations such as co-operatives, government, trade unions, and large and small businesses.

A range of current projects address the fair creative economy, sustainable food systems, community development, sustainable fashion, land reform, employee ownership trusts, co-working, union co-operatives, and resource security. Our research is global in reach, including collaborations with communities and partners across minority and majority world contexts.