Business, Economic and Social Policy

Business, Economic and Social Policy is one of our six research themes. Our research in this area aims to make a real difference to business, economy and society regionally, nationally and internationally. We will advance and share knowledge in all its forms and impact on public policy.

Why this research matters 

In a world of scarce and diminishing resources, we all need to help find the path to a sustainable future – to better businesses, economies and societies. For businesses, this could mean being efficient, profitable and supporting sustainable growth, in a way that minimises resource depletion and pollution, while being responsive and resilient to turbulences in the environment. For policy-makers, this means supporting ethical, evidence-based policymaking that improves income, access to justice and equal opportunities and the well-being of all members of society. It is shaping a stronger and safer society for all.

Our research is helping to bring about this future. It is supporting economic vibrancy and resilience, social justice and sustainable development – at regional, national and international levels. We focus on supporting both large businesses as well as the field of entrepreneurship, spin-outs, start-ups and SMEs, and influencing the government agenda on enterprises. We also focus on improving social cohesion, recovery, and regeneration.  

Our vision and approach 

Our research has a real-world focus with our aim to make a real difference to business, economy and society regionally, nationally and internationally. All our innovative research is founded on ethical principles and a commitment to advancing and sharing knowledge and impact on public policy.  

We approach business, economic and social policy with an open mind and in an independent way, alongside being conscious of but not constrained by history. Our commitment to identifying the underlying research questions and our unprecedented breadth and depth of expertise means we bring together research from different fields to develop the best, innovative and evidence-based solutions.

Our research

Research into business, economic and social policy spans a wide range of areas and can impact numerous stakeholder groups. Explore some of our case studies below to see how our existing research is making a change in the real-world.

Discover our current research: 

Strategies for a greener economy

With the low-carbon economy critical to UK business growth, researchers from the Derby Business School at the University of Derby have pioneered effective strategies to support more firms to incorporate green practices into their operations.

Find out more about our greener economy researchFind out more about our greener economy research
an abstract design of an economy, in green

Lean logistics research

Innovative research into green-lean and lean logistics is enabling transport, manufacturing and emergency medical service industries worldwide to combine improvements in productivity with a stronger environmental performance.

Find out more about our lean logistics researchFind out more about our lean logistics research
a warehouse sorting deliveries

3D printing research

University of Derby research has delivered metal 3D printing solutions for a range of industrial applications, helping businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity.

Find out more about our 3D printing researchFind out more about our 3D printing research
a 3d printer against a green background

Research theme lead

Professor of Strategy and Performance Management

Professor Qile He is a Professor of Strategy and Performance Management within the College of Business, Law and Social Science at the University of Derby.

Silhouette of a woman writing an equation on a whiteboard.

Our research students

Find out about some of our postgraduate research students and the projects they are working on.

Our research student profilesOur research student profiles
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Explore our academic themes

Discover our innovation and research across our five other academic themes.

Explore our academic themesExplore our academic themes