Classifying Credit Union Development in Terms of Mature, Transition and Nascent Industry Types

Classifying credit union industry types as Mature, Transition or Nascent provides a useful heuristic device by which to better understand grorwth ancl development issues facing the world- wide credit union movement. By defining the key attributes of each industry type an evolutionary linkage can be established between Transition and Mature industries, where Muture industries provide a demanstrations of the likely developrnenr path for Transition industries. The importance of Nascent industries to the future grorwth of the credit union movement makes this industry type of particular importance. Use of an industry type classification provides a platforn to better explore the economic and social significance of credit unions world- wide.