Research themes

Our interdisciplinary research themes highlight the School's distinctive strengths and will shape the future development of our research and impact activity.

A woman working at a dual screen computer.

Work Futures

Our research examines contemporary developments in the organisation of work, job quality, people management practices and the exercise of power within organisations. We are interested in the respective roles of employers, trade unions, national governments, international organisations and other stakeholders in regulating work and employment and influencing the extent to which working people can experience decent and sustainable work.

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Pathways to Sustainable Consumption, Production and Finance

Our research is concerned with the implications of business activities for the environment and the long-term costs to the economy and society. With world-leading research on the circular economy, we are interested in how business activities and consumption patterns can be altered to reduce environmental impacts and the ways in which employers, local and national government and financial institutions and other actors can contribute to creating a sustainable economy.

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A green circuit board.

Technology, Innovation and Place

Our research examines the diffusion of new technologies, innovations relating to products, processes and methods of decision making and problem solving, and the resilience of domestic and cross-border supply chains. We are interested in how entrepreneurial behaviours, innovation capacities and productivity are influenced by economic, social and policy contexts at local, regional and national scales and how policy makers and other actors might support and encourage ‘high road’ business practices.

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Enhancing Health and Wellbeing

Our research examines the organisation and management of health and social care, the care provided by unpaid carers, and the factors that influence the health and wellbeing of workers. We are interested in how changes in health and care arrangements and people management practices might reduce risks at work and lead to better health and wellbeing outcomes for employees and the wider population.

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