Foundational Economy Research Ltd (FERL)
Foundational Economy Research (FERL) is an action-research agency based in Manchester, UK.
We develop new thinking and practical approaches to the Foundational Economy—the everyday systems that make places and communities liveable and enjoyable, including food provision, housing, welfare, employment, social infrastructure and transport.
We work with community organisations, NGOs and local authorities to unlock pathways for change and improvement through tailored research, education, and facilitation.
Our team of senior researchers has worked together for many years and combines a strong commitment to social change with expertise in analysing company accounts, official statistics and qualitative social research.
Browse our reports on Wales, Liveability and on Water and utilities.
For an introduction to our current thinking see our latest position paper Grey skys thinking.
For an in-depth exploration see our books When nothing works and Murky water.
Our partner organisations are:
Foundational Economy Wales is a membership organisation which brings together practitioners from many different organisations to work together with the FERL researchers in developing foundational practice. It is has sponsored a Union of social housing tenants for social housing tenants, is active in promoting new development policies and plans to press for change in Welsh Water.
Foundational Economy Collective
The Foundational Economy Collective is a loose international grouping of academics and practitioners working on foundational economy research and practice. Established over 15 years ago, the Collective organises regular online seminars, an annual conference, and hosts a website to support exchange and collaboration in the field.
Header photo: By User:Stemonitis – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 2.5,