Research Projects
Our research covers two fields: sustainability and grand challenge entrepreneurship and corporate entrepreneurship for sustainability.Â
Our Approaches
We are dedicated to illuminating the ways in which entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in tackling grand challenges and advancing sustainability.
Qualitative Approaches
Our research primarily focuses on qualitative studies to construct theoretical frameworks that address the complex phenomena within entrepreneurship, particularly those related to sustainability and grand challenges. As illustrative examples, we have formulated a dynamic narrative model to elucidate stakeholder engagement processes and a design engineering model to guide solution development.
AI Techniques
We enhance our qualitative research methods with advanced machine learning and natural language processing techniques to maximize the utility of diverse data types. For example, we have utilized sentiment analysis and topic modeling to explore the intricacies of entrepreneurial narratives and corporate communications about sustainability initiatives.
Experimental Studies
We conduct experimental studies, primarily in lab settings, to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions within entrepreneurial narratives, such as storytelling techniques, and different entrepreneurial methodologies, like evidence-based versus value-based approaches, in enhancing efficiency.
Econometric Analysis
We recognize the vital significance of extensive archival data, particularly regarding corporate entrepreneurial efforts. For instance, our objective is to uncover the effectiveness and methodologies through which corporations’ scientific goals, such as emission reduction, are achieved.
Sustainability and Grand Challenge Entrepreneurship
Featured Work
Social Entrepreneurship
Breaking With the Past: The Need for Innovation in the Governance of Nonprofit Social Enterprises
Social Entrepreneurship
Attention allocation to multiple goals: The case of for-profit social enterprises
How do grand challenge entrepreneurs mobilize resources?
Entrepreneurs championing audacious solutions to grand challenges frequently encounter barriers in securing lasting stakeholder support and resources. Our research is focused on identifying effective strategies for these pioneers to attract and maintain the necessary backing to propel their ventures forward.
How do grand challenge entrepreneurs actualize grand solutions?
Grand solutions often reside on the distant horizon, beyond the scope of current knowledge, potentially hindering their development. Our focus is on bridging this gap by exploring innovative approaches to expand present understanding and accelerate the realization of these visionary solutions.
How do grand challenge entrepreneurs scale up their solutions?
While practical solutions may not always align with sustainability goals, we are eager to investigate how entrepreneurs tackling grand challenges can amplify their impact. Our research delves into methodologies like design science and the harnessing of organizational support to scale solutions sustainably.
Corporate Entrepreneurship for Sustainability
Featured Work
Corporate Entrepreneurship
Impact of the Type of Corporate Spin–Off on Growth
Corporate Entrepreneurship
Successful Corporate Entrepreneurship: A Process of Acculturation into Corporate Logics
How to reconcile profitability and impact logics?
There is a recognized tension within corporations as they pivot towards sustainability, often confronting clashes in underlying business logics. Our research is dedicated to uncovering strategies that facilitate a seamless transition, smoothing the path for businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
What is the role of corporate foundations?
We are intrigued by the strategic role of corporate foundations, like that of IKEA, in seeding new ventures. Our inquiry delves into whether and how these philanthropic arms are catalysts for transitioning businesses towards sustainable practices.
How does corporate-startup collaborations help corporations achieve sustainability?
Partnerships between established corporations and burgeoning startups are lauded for their mutual benefits, yet underlying conflicts in logic and approach may arise. Our research seeks to unravel the dynamics of these alliances, probing into the mechanisms that drive their evolution and functionality.
We delve into the ways entrepreneurs craft a vision for a desirable future through imaginative and possibility-driven thinking, unveiling the boundless potential of a sustainable world.