On 28 May 2025, Atlantic Futures was proud to see one of its leading researchers, Professor Laura McCauley, deliver her inaugural Professorial Lecture at Ulster University Business School in Derry~Londonderry.
The event, titled Social Enterprises: Catalyst for Economic and Social Change in a Modern World, brought together voices from academia, business, government, policy, and the community sector to explore the vital role that social enterprises play in addressing today's complex challenges.
Professor McCauley, who serves as Professor of Inclusive Entrepreneurship at Ulster University and is a key contributor to Atlantic Futures', Research Stream 3: Women's Entrepreneurship in the Atlantic Corridor, offered a rich and thought-provoking examination of the social enterprise sector, both locally and globally. Drawing on her extensive research across Ireland, the UK, Australia, and Colombia, she highlighted how social enterprises are increasingly redefining traditional business models by blending profit with purpose. Globally, this sector generates an estimated $2 trillion in revenue and employs over 200 million people.
In her lecture, Professor McCauley underscored the opportunities and challenges faced by social enterprises in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. She pointed to the need for innovative funding mechanisms, supportive policy frameworks, targeted skills development, and robust data and research collaborations to fully unlock the sector's potential. Of particular note was her emphasis on the importance of younger, values-driven entrepreneurs who are bringing fresh energy and purpose to the social enterprise movement.
Reflecting on the event, Professor McCauley shared:
'It was a privilege to have the opportunity to present this work and engage with such a diverse audience. Social enterprises sit at the intersection of economic and social change, and the discussions we had on the night reinforced just how critical inclusive entrepreneurship is to building resilient, sustainable communities. I hope the lecture sparked new conversations and collaborations that will continue well beyond the event.'
The event formed part of Ulster University Business School's 50th anniversary celebrations and underscored the strong partnership between Atlantic Futures and its institutional stakeholders, including Ulster University. Professor McCauley's work aligns closely with Atlantic Futures' mission to generate impactful, interdisciplinary research that informs policy and practice across these islands.
As Atlantic Futures continues to explore the intersections of inclusive growth, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration, Professor McCauley's insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders alike. Her lecture serves as a timely reminder of the transformative potential of social enterprises to drive not only economic resilience, but meaningful social change.
We extend our congratulations to Professor McCauley on this important milestone and look forward to the continued impact of her research within Atlantic Futures and beyond. Well done Laura!
Atlantic Futures is funded by the Higher Education Authority as part of the North South Research Programme.
