Social Enterprise Research Network (SERN) is a transdisciplinary research and external engagement network that seeks to unite academics, students, social entrepreneurs, leaders, policy makers, advocates, and ethical consumers to advance social innovation and purpose-led business through connection and collaboration.
Through discussions with social enterprises and industry bodies, SERN has identified key challenges in the sector, particularly the lack of structured collaboration. Various stakeholders often work in silos, leading to fragmented efforts and missed opportunities.
SERN aims to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and building cross-organisational partnerships. By enhancing communication, securing funding, and strengthening research literacy, the Network will drive systemic change, creating a more effective and sustainable social enterprise sector.
The following themes reflect areas of expertise across the network.
Creative endeavours driving social innovation, cultural preservation through social enterprise, social enterprise and creative activism, connection and collaboration with industry and emerging leaders.
Responsible and ethical leadership, connection with industry and emerging leaders, leadership strategy and development.
Exploration of the diversity of social issues that social enterprises seek to address such as skills shortage, access to education, poverty alleviation, providing employment/support for refugees, capacity building and employment for marginalised peoples, and market access for artisans from marginalised communities.
Marketing strategies and development, responsible and ethical marketing, the confluence of social marketing and social enterprise, connection and collaboration with industry and emerging leaders.
Dr Melissa Wheeler
School of Management
Dr Jon Hewitt
School of Fashion and Textiles
Dr Harriette Richards
School of Fashion and Textiles
Dr Melissa Wheeler
School of Management
Dr Ancy Gamage
School of Management
Dr Jon Hewitt
School of Fashion and Textiles
Please contact network leads melissa.wheeler@rmit.edu.au or jon.hewitt@rmit.edu.au to enquire about membership.
Social Enterprise Research Network is supported by the following Enabling Impact Platforms:
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| Design and Creative Practice | Applying an inventive, exploratory approach to real-world problems through interdisciplinary research, within and beyond design and creative practice. |
| Global Business Innovation | Working with researchers around the world to unlock the value and impact of innovation. |
EIPs enable economic, environmental, societal, health and cultural impact with government, business and the community through research and innovation.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
