Research Area TIMES-X

At the core of our research - companies as pivotal contributors to societies

TIMES-X refers to management research that brings companies to the front and center as pivotal contributors to the development and application of new technologies.

Understanding the emergence, development and impact of modern technologies requires a business perspective, as technologies are developed, absorbed and applied within companies. Their specific characteristics and properties thus also determine the magnitude and direction of any societal impact.
 

Multilevel-Ansatz TIMES-X
(…) towards a relational view revealing technology’s impact as a result of its embeddedness in a complex system (multilevel-approach).

TIMES-X: Multilevel-Approach

Interdisciplinarity of our Research Area: Phenomena

Interdisciplinarity of our Research Area: Phenomena

Interdisciplinarity of our Research Area: Theories

Interdisciplinarity of our Research Area: Theories

Joint research focus: Circular Economy

In a circular economy, economic activity builds and rebuilds overall system health.
The concept recognises the importance of the economy needing to work effectively
at all scales – for large and small businesses, for organisations and individuals, globally and locally. Transitioning to a circular economy does not only amount to adjustments aimed at reducing the negative impacts of the linear economy. Rather, it represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates business and economic opportunities, and provides environmental and societal benefits. (Ellen MacArthur Foundation 2021)

We conduct research on economically relevant topics in connection with the Circular Economy on multiple levels.

Our focus is on markets and actors and their decisions, often under uncertainty, to realize a sustainable economy. We research on strategies, processes and structures of the involved industries and companies, their networks and their customers and end-users. On the customer and consumer side, we conduct research on the diffusion and acceptance of circular products and services. Furthermore, on the social norms and collective decisions and actions that shape market behavior. Methodologically, we use a broad spectrum of qualitative-small-scale to quantitative-large-scale empiricism, as well as simulations and laboratory experiments. We complement each other in an interdisciplinary way and jointly supervise doctoral students and post-docs.