Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CenSE)
At the Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CenSE), we conduct applied scientific research on sustainable entrepreneurship in family businesses and SMEs. To this end, we identify trends and challenges in the economy and society.
Sustainable and Digital Transition
At CenSE, we recognize the transformative potential of the European Union’s Twin Transitions —sustainability and digitalization—and their crucial role in shaping a green, inclusive, and innovative future. As a research center dedicated to applied scientific research on sustainable entrepreneurship, with a focus on family businesses and SMEs, we support the local private sector in leading this transformation.
Social Circular Economy
CenSE contributes to the transition to a sustainable and inclusive society through research on the social circular economy, social impact, and sustainability. This research center analyzes organizations that create both economic and social value, with a particular focus on the survival, collaboration, and growth mechanisms of social and circular enterprises.
Skills for the Future
In an increasingly fast-paced society, future-oriented competencies are essential, both at the organizational and personal levels. That is why we are actively committed to research projects focused on the competencies of the future (sustainability competencies, digital competencies, and entrepreneurship competencies) and on innovation in the learning process.
Featured Projects
News
CenSE Research Week 2026 - TEACH4SD EU SUMMIT
Monday, March 9 – Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CenSE) organized the 2026 edition of CenSE Research Week, in conjunction with the TEACH4SD EU Summit. Over the course ofthree days, researchers, educators, and professionals from across Europe gathered to address one central question: What competencies do students and professionals need to shape a sustainable future?
Explore. Innovate. Collaborate.
A present for your birthday? That's nice, but…
A gift on your birthday? Nice, but… Companies don’t do that just for the sake of it. Behind that free coffee or discount lies a clever strategy: your data.
Our researcher Saskia Vanden Eede, an expert in digital marketing, explains on WinWin (on Radio2) why brands love to spoil you on your birthday: they use your data to personalize their offers and advertising, and a gift also makes us instantly more fond of a brand.
20th EIASM Workshop on Family Business Management Research
"Will the new next generation take over the family business?"
This paper, written by Prof. Bart Henssen (Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship), Dr. Kajsa Haag (Jönköping International Business School), and Dr. Julia Süss-Reyes (WU Vienna University of Economics and Business), examines how the next generation in family businesses views succession.
The paper was presented at the 20th EIASM Workshop on Family Firm Management Research in Jönköping and was nominated for the Best Conference Paper Award. This is a wonderful recognition of a topic that is of great importance to many family businesses today.
GrowthFundMe helps small and medium-sized businesses grow through crowdfunding
How can startups and SMEs secure funding to launch and expand their businesses? The GrowthFundMe platform, named after the project of the same name, helps SMEs grow through crowdfunding. This article explores how crowdfunding can help SMEs that want to expand, innovate, and thrive in a competitive market.
Read the article and discover how crowdfunding can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
CenSE Research Week 2025
The Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CenSE) brought together researchers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of social and circular innovation. With a focus on SDG 9 and SDG 17, the event centered on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and creating impact.
- Explore. Innovate. Collaborate.