St Andrews and Bonn explore joint research
The work will examine entrepreneurial behaviour within religious institutions.
Professor Denise Fischer-Kreer, Chair of Entrepreneurial Behaviour at the University of Bonn, recently visited St Andrews to begin exploring a new research collaboration with colleagues in the Business School, the Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Education team and the Entrepreneurship Centre.
Professor Fischer-Kreer’s work spans sustainable entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial resilience, policy uncertainty, East African entrepreneurial ecosystems and the emotional dimensions of family firm succession. One of her most distinctive projects examines entrepreneurial thinking within religious institutions, an inquiry that began with research in Vatican City and now extends to the Archdiocese of Cologne.
During her time in St Andrews, Professor Fischer-Kreer delivered a research seminar on her recent publication journey in Research Policy, walking colleagues through the reviewer feedback she received and how the work developed in response. In meetings across the University, she discussed entrepreneurship education and possible joint research with senior colleagues, including Business School Vice-Dean Engagement, Partnerships and Social Responsibility, Dr Gosia Mitka and Dr Lenia Kouneni, Associate Dean of Education (Arts and Divinity) and Convener of the Entrepreneurial Education Working Group. A guided tour of the Entrepreneurship Centre with St Andrews Innovation Chief Executive, Derek Watson MBE, completed the visit.
The Practice, Entrepreneurship, Action, Creativity and Knowledge (PEACK) research cluster within the Department of Management hosted the visit. PEACK brings together researchers exploring knowledge creation, creativity and entrepreneurship in organisations and society. Convenors Dr Hannah Dean and Professor Kevin Orr led the programme, with Professor Anna Brattström and Dr Fergus Neville facilitating.
Dr Dean said:
“St Andrews and the University of Bonn are strategic partner universities with a strong shared commitment to entrepreneurship, both in teaching and research, and in fostering a culture of venture creation among students and academics. Both institutions are on a journey to develop this further, and it was wonderful to exchange ideas on how we are each approaching that. We are delighted that this strategic partnership has now gained an important new dimension.”
The two universities now plan to submit a joint seed-funding application for a research project at the intersection of entrepreneurship and faith.
Professor Fischer-Kreer said:
“I was genuinely inspired by the warmth of the welcome and the quality of the colleagues I met at St Andrews. Both universities share a deep dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, and the opportunity to exchange experiences at this stage of our respective journeys was hugely valuable. I very much look forward to continuing this collaboration.”