The Centre for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics (CEME) exists to promote an enterprise-based economy built upon ethical foundations drawing upon the history and values of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

The financial crisis in 2008 raised serious ethical issues for many people regarding the way in which financial institutions do business and, over recent years, concerns about globalisation, climate change and other environmental issues, poverty, AI and other developments have added to the overall concern about the nature of twenty-first century capitalism.

Confidence has been dented in the entire system of private enterprise, capitalism and an enterprise-based economy. This loss of confidence is widespread.

Business is essential to society, creates wealth, and enables both individuals and society to flourish. Despite this, many, including those within business, think the only social contribution of business is through charitable work. 

We support the promotion of the market economy from a Christian perspective and we think that there are three propositions around which many people can agree:

• • A competitive market economy which encourages private enterprise and is subject to the rule of law is not only the most effective way to generate wealth and employment but is also an important foundation for a democratic political order.
• • While a market economy is superior to other economic systems which have been tried, it is far from flawless. Free market economies left to themselves cannot be relied on to provide solutions to a number of problems. We need to have a better understanding of the human person and of what makes up the common good if we are to tackle them successfully.
• • If it is to work effectively a market economy requires a degree of trust based on high ethical standards by those engaged in business. These values will not be generated within the market but must come from outside the market. While these values have many sources we believe that the Christian faith within the wider Judeo-Christian tradition is one important source of such values.

We have broad interest in:

• • Understanding business, enterprise and the economy
• • Promoting ethical values
• • Applying Christian thought to enterprise, ethics and wider social policy in the context of a market economy

Our approach combines academic work in business, economics, and theology with a direct engagement with the business community designed to promote sound ethical behaviour.

An extract of the speech delivered by Lord Griffiths at the launch of the Centre is available here.

We are a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity based in Oxford, UK.

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