About us
In the current economic system, we measure wellbeing and prosperity primarily as economic growth (GDP) and financial progress. Using raw materials and people in a disrespectful and linear way (make-take-waste) is considered unavoidable, but the earth and society are reaching their limits. That is why transitioning to a wellbeing economy where we start working on regeneration is necessary. That transition requires entrepreneurship that contributes to human and natural values and makes an effort to repair the damage – but preferably to prevent it.
The Centre of Expertise Wellbeing Economy and New Entrepreneurship (Dutch: Brede Welvaart en Nieuw Ondernemerschap (BWNO)) aspires a sustainable future for everyone. Our researchers work together with different parties in society. They want to contribute to solutions for urgent societal and environmental issues that threaten all that lives on the planet and the planet itself: global warming, loss of biodiversity and depletion of raw materials, inequality, and social injustice.
In our Centre of Expertise, we distinguish two lines of research within our knowledge programme; the first is research into wellbeing in an economic sense. The second program line concerns entrepreneurship and how it can contribute to wellbeing.
Research Groups
At CoE BWNO, 6 professors, around 50 researchers, and 10 supporting staff work on practice-oriented research. Six professors and two associate professors have the lead in setting up the knowledge programme
- Economy in Common
- Impactful Value Chains
- Unthinkable Marketing
- New Entrepreneurship
- Sustainable Finance and Accounting
- Law and Regulations
Various methods and techniques
Our researchers constantly seek a balance between methodological diligence, pragmatism and added value to businesses. We combine various research methods and techniques to obtain the best possible results from quantitative to qualitative and from traditional experimental to action research and monitoring. The research actively involves students and lecturers in research projects wherever possible. The focus lies on ‘learning through participation’. This approach also allows the centre to enhance lecturers’ expertise further. Active interaction between professors and researchers, the professional field and participating schools create new knowledge.
Multidisciplinary collaboration
We conduct our research with companies, governments, organisations and (knowledge) institutions. When researchers and the professional field work together, significant steps can be taken towards new ways of organising the economy, with a more even and equal distribution of financial, social and natural capital. Collecting knowledge through research and implementing this knowledge by entrepreneurs, companies, and institutions ensures that a real difference is made in our society.
More information?
Would you like to know more about how we could collaborate? We are looking forward to hearing from you!