ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the macro-level forces that influence the CME business model, and how these firms generate economic and social capital outputs to benefit their members, the wider community, and the national economy. It draws upon the CME research framework introduced in Chapter 1 but examines each element in detail. Research is discussed relating to social cooperation theories that foster the creation of CMEs, the role of government legislation, regulation, and policy in enhancing or hindering CME development, the impact of industry structure on CMEs and the roles played by these firms within their industries, and the influence of environmental forces on shaping CMEs. Relationships between these influencing forces and the economic and social outputs from the CME business model are examined, with suggestions for future research areas and methodologies.
