Research

Anthropogenic climate change, resource depletion, and ocean acidification are only some of the serious environmental threats resulting from massive and increasing combustion of fossil fuels. To mitigate these threats dramatic technological and organizational change is required, resulting in a low-carbon society. In addition, organizational adaptation to these changes will be necessary.

Research Objectives:

Recognizing that the natural environment defines a boundary for society, our research aims to improve the understanding of the drivers for and consequences of the de-carbonization of the economy. Rationally bounded companies and their innovative activities are at the center stage of our research. We examine how policy, finance and (changing) technological boundaries as well as the underlying markets can alter corporate strategies in a way that assures a rapid de-carbonization.

Research Foci:

Within Energy Innovation Studies we apply a systems perspective considering firms as central actors and
• analyze the role of policy for managerial decision making on corporate innovation,
• examine the role of policy on technological change,
• develop recommendations for business and policy makers.

Within Environmental Strategy Research we focus on the inter-linkages between organizations and the natural environment and
• analyze the impact of the natural and social environment on companies,
• investigate the business case of corporate strategies that address sustainability challenges,
• focus on financial markets as a key lever for accelerating sustainable development.