Research Labs
Research Labs
EoM Research Labs combine the best of business and academia to tackle specific Economics of Mutuality issues, such as the future of performance measurement and accounting, by turning great ideas into practical actions. Since establishing our first EoM Lab at Oxford University in 2014, we have been expanding our network of dynamic academic communities across the globe.
Three Pillars of Activity
1. Conducting cutting-edge research
Investigating, developing and analyzing key ideas related to the Economics of Mutuality with excellence and integrity.
2. Advancing groundbreaking knowledge
Sharing innovative Economics of Mutuality teaching and research findings with both the academic community and non-academic audiences.
3. Convening dynamic networks and gatherings
Bringing together diverse groups of thinkers and practitioners to share, discuss and debate issues relevant to the Economics of Mutuality with the neutrality and spirit of inquiry present in universities.
“Business and finance are undergoing profound change. As the size and influence of multinational corporations have grown to a level that rivals national states, the importance of business for our prosperity, survival and wellbeing has never been more evident.”
Peter Tufano
Peter Moores Dean,
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Research Themes of Interest
We are keen to establish new partnerships with universities and researchers interested in pursuing topics relevant to the Economics of Mutuality, such as those listed below. If you would like to find out more about collaborating with us, please get in touch.
The Economics of Mutuality’s core building blocks
Non-financial metrics: improving and testing the measurement of non-financial capitals in business ecosystems.
Accounting practices: developing innovative approaches to accounting that integrate holistic performance measurement into the P&L.
Leadership development: evolving leadership theories and approaches to leadership that better account for the responsibilities and complexities of today’s system.
The Economics of Mutuality’s impact in practice
On business performance: through case studies, randomized control trials and processing tracing.
On management behaviors and organizational culture: through ethnographic approaches and case studies.
Expanding research areas relevant to the Economics of Mutuality
Finance: through analysis of portfolio performance, investment models, valuations and development of EoM investment approach.
Other areas: education, policy-making and the digital and knowledge economy.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Rethinking Performance
In 2014, a substantial strategic partnership with Oxford University’s Saïd Business School was established to focus on the development of a business management theory for the Economics of Mutuality with corresponding teaching curriculum, new management practices and case study research.
The research program has combined the pursuit of normative questions, such as ‘What is mutuality and how should it be enacted?’, with grounded, ethnographic research on current thinking and practices.
This has led to the development of field experiments and case studies examining how large corporate actors conceive of and pursue responsible business practices and how these relate to their financial, social and environmental performance.
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
Economics of Mutuality and Chinese Business
In April 2019, we were delighted to announce the start of a new academic partnership with the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) that will research the practical application of the Economics of Mutuality in a Chinese Business context. The collaboration will involve case studies, classroom lectures and a yearly forum.
CEIBS, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, was co-founded by the Chinese government and the European Union, with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the EFMD serving as its executive partners. CEIBS has campuses in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Accra in Ghana, and Zurich in Switzerland. The business school has over 22,000 alumni around the world, who come from more than 80 different countries and regions.
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Center for Economics and Mutuality
In March 2020, Erasmus University Rotterdam opened a new Center for Economics and Mutuality to promote the application of Economics of Mutuality principles in business. The center has three branches operating in key areas of society:
Academic: The Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity Initiative, Erasmus University Rotterdam (learn more)
Business and Economics: Economic Summit (learn more)
Governance and Public Policy: Cross-party group of politicians formed by Eppo Bruins, Member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands (learn more)
Bruno Roche holds the position of Visiting Senior Fellow at the Erasmus Initiative for the Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity.
ESSEC Business School, France and Singapore
Business Models Innovation in the Knowledge Economy
Since 2015, the Economics of Mutuality team has been working closely with ESSEC Business School in a cross-disciplinary research program designed to explore business model innovation in the knowledge economy.
Working closely with the ESSEC Business School Chair of Networked Business Models and his team, the Lab aims to challenge the prevalence of linear value chain thinking in business by researching the theory and practice of business ecosystems.
The Lab contributes to conceptual knowledge and understanding of how business ecosystem orchestration strategies generate both economic and social performance. This includes sustainable business models and experimental pilots — as well as metrics for evaluating effective governance, organizational practices and stakeholder benefits.
The Lab’s thought leadership and business school curricula equip future leaders to leverage the principles of business ecosystem orchestration to deliver mutual business practices.
Collaboration with Other Universities
The Americas