The members range from university institutes, research foundations to commercial research/consultancy bureaus. All members are independent and follow a scientific approach to research. University graduates form the main work force of each member. In total more than 600 highly qualified researchers, specialised in applied economic and social research, are brought together in the Network. About 15 professors, holding a chair in SME economics or in business economics, manage some of the member-institutes.

The overall competence of the ENSR is strengthened by the specialisation of each member. The Network has a broad spectrum of qualitative and quantitative research skills consisting of macro oriented, meso and sector studies, as well as micro economic and small business management research.

Each member has international experience in carrying out economic and social research. Many members have a wide network of international relations and have carried out research in many Member States, Eastern European countries and countries in the developing world.