The Center for Applied Research in Management and Economics (CARME) is a new research and development (R&D) unit, which emerges from the combination of the will and efforts of teachers from the Management and Economics Department of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria (IPLeiria), to develop R&D activities in their areas of interest and knowledge. CARME's mission is to contribute to regional development and innovation, through the integration of basic and applied research in management and economics, strongly oriented towards professional practice and involving collaborators, students, companies and non-profit organizations. Vision: to play a central role in the co-creation of knowledge between R&D, higher education, industry and social partners, creating an inspiring environment for multidisciplinary research with an impact on companies and non-profit organizations, translated into a value benefit for society as one all.