EMN Research Programme

The objective of EMN Research Programme is to improve knowledge of microfinance activity undertaken in the European Union countries, Norway and Switzerland.

The programme works on identifying organisations and individuals conducting research in the microfinance field in the European Union and Norway and Switzerland. The programme aims to provide information on research projects completed and currently underway, to disseminate research findings, to link researchers and practitioners and to help identify gaps in our knowledge of the sector.

Are you a Masters Degree or PhD student? Are you a researcher in microfinance? If you are looking for a research project in the microfinance field, please read on!
EMN conducted a survey of research projects and publications focused on microfinance in Europe. Click here to find a summary of the gaps and priorities in research. This summary may assist you in finding a topic. Choosing a topic from the gaps list will also be of great value to the sector! If you wish to discuss these topics further, please contact emn@european-microfinance.org.

The following initiatives have been undertaken or are underway:

• EMN organised its 2nd Research Strand Workshop at the 2007 Annual Conference in Berlin. Moderated by Silvia Rico of Foro Nantik Lum de Midcrofinanzas, the Workshop addressed gaps in current research in European Microfinance. Niamh Goggin of the Small Change Research Partnership (Experian, Small Change, cdfa and Freiss Ldt) presented a pioneering methodology for measuring and mapping financial exclusion and looked at the supply of microcredit services in the South-East of England. Simone di Castri presented his ongoing research on how microfinance challenges classical financial services regulation. To down loan the presentations, click here.

• Research Working Group: In April 2007 during the EMN Annual Conference in Berlin, the Research Working Group met to review progress on activities and to confirm the appointment of Foro Nantik Lum de Microfinanzas as group coordinator from May 2007 to April 2008. 2007 Activities include preparing a joint publication and developing two microfinance research projects for 2008. For the April meeting minutes click here.

• Research Working Group: In January 2007, several EMN Research Group members met and formed a Research Working Group. The Research Working Group is a subset of the larger group. The Research Working Group is comprised of individuals who would like to collaborate together on joint projects. The Working Group developed a 2007 Workplan which replaces the previous Workplan for 2005-2006. The new work plan is available.
For more information on the Research Working Group or the general Research Group, contact: emn@european-microfinance.org

• In 2005 a group of practitioners, research centres and universities initiated a Research Group at the EMN 2005 Barcelona Conference. The research group’s 2005-2006 objectives, work plan and the first Activity Report are available. To add your name to the research group contact:emn@european-microfinance.org. With the launch of the Research Working Group, the general Research Group will continue to exist. The purpose of the general group will be to enhance communication and sharing of research outputs amongst researchers in European Microfinance.

• Initiation of a multi-disciplinary research group to consider microfinance from the perspectives of economics, psychology, sociology and politics by the University of Bologna, Interdepartmental Centre for Research and Group Intervention, (CIRIG). For more information contact Dr. Luisa Brunori: brunori@psibo.unibo.it.

• EMN Survey of microfinance research projects and creation of a data base of projects available here. This information is updated on a quarterly basis. To access the data click here. If you are working on a European microfinance research project or have completed a project that you would like included in the data base contact: emn@european-microfinance.org

• EMN undertook a review of research conducted in European microfinance and identified gaps and priorities. (a recent publication on this topic available here entitled Microcredit Research in the EU 15 and European Economic Area (EEA) written by Tamara Underwood)

• EMN organised a research strand workshop at EMN’s 2006 Budapest Conference involving universities and practitioners. The research strand will become a regular feature of EMN’s annual conference. To access the Budapest Conference research presentations made by:

Tamara Underwood (Research Manager, EMN)

Karl Dayson (Salford University, UK)

Marcella Corsi (Department of Economics, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’ and Fondazione Risorsa Donna)

Luisa Brunori (C.I.R.I.G)

• Facilitation of contacts amongst researchers and practitioners interested in sharing information and collaborating on research initiatives. If you would like to contact a member of the research group or propose a research project or collaboration email: emn@european-microfinance.org

Essential Articles:

A publication entitled "Microcredit Research in the EU 15 and European Economic Area (EEA)" written by Tamara Underwood, Research Manager at EMN, September 2006

EMN Research Programme

Essential Articles:

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