Eric Coorens

Eric Coorens is a senior researcher at the New Entrepreneurship research group and leads the Regenerative Leadership research team. His work focuses on the transition of organizations, regions and value networks towards wellbeing. As program manager and active member of various platforms and advisory committees, he strengthens collaboration with the professional field and is involved in developing a master’s program on sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship.

His approach is action-oriented and based on co-creation with students, companies and societal partners, addressing challenges at the intersection of sustainability, innovation and leadership. Eric earned his doctorate at Audencia Business School (France) with a focus on regenerative leadership.

Expertise
With a background in mechanical engineering, business administration and marketing, Eric combines strategic insight with practical experience in innovation, circular value chains and stakeholder-driven transitions. His expertise lies in facilitating socio-ecological system transitions that balance economic, social, ecological and governance dimensions. His work focuses on inclusivity, regenerative processes and transboundary value creation.

Research
Through the Regenerative Leadership program, Eric supports regions, municipalities, industrial areas, companies and individuals in better understanding and improving their impact on communities and ecosystems. The applied research delivers practical approaches, tools, prototypes and good practices, developed and tested in collaboration with students and field partners. The aim is to generate lasting impact at the interface of education, entrepreneurship and regional transformation.

Career
Eric has over 35 years of international experience in listed companies, NGOs, trade organizations and management consulting, including more than 15 years as CEO and executive board member. He previously held positions at KPMG, Kwantum, Macintosh, Carpetright and TFT/Earthworm. Currently, he combines his research activities with advisory and supervisory roles in family businesses and non-profits.

Projects: Current research and development activities include the facilitation of regenerative area transitions in Brabant; initiatives such as Peel Positief and the Taskforce Sustainability Brainport Industries; collaboration with Green Business Club ’s-Hertogenbosch; industrial scaling of plant-based production; analysis of stakeholder drivers and priorities in the Spoorzone-Rietvelden area of ’s-Hertogenbosch; biobased construction using biodiverse cultivated crops; research into the development of energy communities in ’s-Hertogenbosch; the Marketing Sustainable Innovations project; the Sustainable Production Lab in Rijen; exploration of the circular potential of the South of the Netherlands; development of (de)growth learning materials; a master’s program in Sustainability Transitions; and the creation of an interactive (e-)book on regenerative transitions for students and practitioners.