Regional development
The research group works at the intersection of business management and regional economics, focusing on entrepreneurship and the functioning of ecosystems. Researchers develop knowledge on the operation and implementation of regional policy (‘place-based policies’). The focus is on how this can support local entrepreneurship and the power of entrepreneurial ecosystems. We also look at how these challenges play out internationally.
Our areas of expertise
Innovative entrepreneurship
Supporting innovative entrepreneurship, translating knowledge and technology into a value proposition along with entrepreneurship as an answer to societal challenges.
Regional ecosystems
Knowledge of the functioning of ecosystems within the region and as a core part of modern business strategy.
Business climate, internationalisation and location-based policy
Business climate and internationalisation as a core component of regional competitiveness. Location-based policy as a catalyst for broad prosperity.
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Hein Roelfsema
Our focus
The research group focuses on connecting regional policy to strengthen international entrepreneurship and cross-border ecosystems, and in so doing creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.
Innovative entrepreneurship
This line of research focuses on supporting start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs. From developing an entrepreneurial mindset and recognising opportunities, to providing coaching on business models. In the current context, this often also has a societal and socially innovative character, with attention to themes such as retail in city centres, sustainability and the self-employed in healthcare. In addition, a key component of this line of research is research into the optimisation of entrepreneurship education at universities of applied sciences and ROCs. These research projects are often carried out in collaboration with the Saxion Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
In this line of research the emphasis is on understanding and supporting business and organisation ecosystems, often focusing on societal issues such as circularity. It is specifically these ecosystems and the entrepreneurs within these networks that determine the dynamics and specialisation of the region. This line of research aims to gain a better understanding of the functioning of these ecosystems, their relationship with regional policy, and required entrepreneurial skills.
Regional policy and broad prosperity
The research focuses on understanding the relationship between emerging regional policy as a core aspect of economic policy and the broad prosperity of the region. This line of research aims to gain more insight into broad prosperity and investigates how businesses and ecosystems can create multiple value propositions.
News from the research group
How can we work together?
Please contact us if you want to increase your knowledge through relevant research in one of our areas of expertise.
Please contact us to discuss issues in your organisation that we can help you with.
Our partners
Our researchers
Related programmes
The research group is part of the School of Commerce & Entrepreneurship and has close ties with the bachelor's degree programme of the Entrepreneurship & Retail Management, Marketing programmes and with the bachelor's and master's programmes of the Hospitality Business School.