Co-operative Enterprise Research Unit (CERU)
The Co-operative Enterprise Research Unit (CERU) is a focal point for research, education and outreach activities focusing on the co-operative and mutual enterprise sector. CERU is a multi-disciplinary unit with skills that encompass the business, economic and social aspects of these unique enterprises. Our global research network offers a broad range of skills and expertise.
Research
networks
Data
learning
blogs
reports
Our purpose
CERU was established to enhance the field of research into co-operative and mutual enterprises. We also aim to make a significant contribution from that research to education, policy, and practice in the sector.
CME Economic & Social History of WA Study
The economic and social contribution of the WA CME sector to the state's development, ARC project.
CME Sustainable Business Model Study
The factors influencing the sustainability of the CME business model. An ARC project.
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CME Strategic Development Program
A unique executive leadership program for the strategic development of CME business models.
ACMEI Study of the Australian CME sector
The Australian CME Index examines the the nation's CME sector, its size and characteristics.
CERU has produced several research publications including books, journal articles, and conference and discussion papers. It also offers access to a range of publications not readily available via other channels.
Popular reads
The importance of shared values in managing CMEs
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Co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) are member-owned and governed businesses that have been created to solve economic and social problems relevant to their members, and they exist for the benefit of their members. However, for a CME to succeed it must be able to offer its members a compelling value proposition, one that will attract and retain the loyalty of its members.It started with a Book ...
When the Mount Barker Co-op decided to commence a book to commemorate its 90 years of operation, a process of unearthing historical records began.The Role of CMEs in regional Economic Development
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Co-operatives have a proven track record in enhancing economic and social development within regional communities. The fit well into the integrated regional development model that I proposed back in 2000 and should be viewed by those interested in enhancing the economic and social well-being of regional Australia as a valuable tool for achieving this goal.From Curated to Crusty - the state of WA's local CME archives
Well over a thousand co-operatives and mutual enterprises have operated in Western Australia since the Sons of Australia Friendly Society and the Albany Co-operative Society were formed in 1837 and 1867 respectively. Most were founded to meet particular local economic and social needs and wound up when those needs had been fulfilled. With a few venerable exceptions, most have passed into history. Indeed, many have gone even further, out of history and into obscurity and are now long forgotten.What is the State of art in the Field of CME Research?
The Co-operative and Mutual Enterprise (CME) sector is large and global in nature. As a movement, it has its origins in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It encompasses a wide range of different firms. However, despite the long-history and global reach of the CME sector, academic research into these businesses is under developed and misunderstood.Sir Keith watson: a committed mutualist
The long history of Perth Building Society (PBS) between 1862 and 1987 is studded with the names and stories of many men – that they were all men reflects the historical period – who played larger than life roles not only in PBS but also in broader Western Australian society. Despite their prominence in their day, not all have been remembered in history’s page.Understanding Mutual Enterprises
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Mutual enterprises comprise a range of firms that are owned by their members, who may be customers, suppliers, or employees. They are commonly not-for-profit organisations that focus on achieving both economic and social goals for their members. Rather than focusing on shareholder returns, mutuals provide economic benefits to their members through the delivery of lower costs, discounts, and rebates.Exploring Ord River District Co-operative
The Kimberley is a vast landscape in the northernmost region of Western Australia, encompassing striking and dramatic natural features and a diverse range of wildlife. Moreover, the town of Kununurra, in Miriwoong country in the east Kimberley, exemplifies the region with its massive Argyle Lake, Ord River, Mirima National Park, and Bungle Bungle range. It is 3,206 kilometres from Perth, with quite a different climate of distinctly wet and dry seasons.Value Creation in the CME Business Model
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In a CME value is cocreated between the member and the enterprise through their commercial interaction. This involves economic transactions (e.g., buying or selling) as patron, and buying shares as an investor. However, the value that a CME generates for its members is more than just an economic transaction, it is also about a sense of ownership and belonging to a community of common purpose.William Clifton, pioneer of the wA co-op movement
The Albany Co-operative Society Limited, founded in 1867, was the first co-operative established in Western Australia. It lasted nearly twenty years and left an indelible, although largely overlooked legacy. Its history is entwined with the story of its founder, William Carmalt Clifton, the manager of the P&O Steamship Co. coaling station at Albany.The Friendly Societies - Pioneers of the CME Sector
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Co-operative and Mutual Enterprises (CMEs) is a term that refers to a range of related organisations comprising co-operatives, mutuals, friendly societies, building societies, and credit unions. CMEs…Co-operatives and social Enterprise: are they a replacement for Mainstream capitalism?
Not all co-operatives distribute profits to their members. They choose instead to reinvest all profits back into the business for the common good of all members. This does not make them “‘non-profit” entities only non-distributing ones.a decade of hunting co-operatives and mutuals - lessons from the aCMEI study
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The ACMEI project’s origins date back to 2009, when the WA Co-operatives Federation engaged with myself and my research team at UWA to examine the co-operative and mutual enterprise business model. We were investigating the factors influencing the strategic behaviour of CME business models as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage grant involving our industry partners.