The Business in Transition network is part of the Department of History and Art History of the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University.

Mission

The Business in Transition network pools historical knowledge about Dutch and international business from a socioeconomic, political and cultural perspective. It also focuses on research into the historical role of Dutch business in an international context. Central to this is the question of the importance of business as an actor in transition processes and the question of what influence these transition processes in turn have on business. Business in Transition aims to contribute to scientific research and education and to debates on current social issues.

Goals

• Initiate new commissioned business history research, with our researchers conducting scientifically sound studies in collaboration with businesses and governments.
• To create a forum for interdisciplinary academic research in the field of business history. For example, by encouraging academic discussion of social issues from a business history perspective through workshops, webinars, lectures or seminars.
• Contributing to societal impact: understanding and knowledge of how societal problems are created is essential to bring about change. Research makes a positive contribution to the debate with businesses and other societal partners.
• Education: the close relationship with businesses and social partners offers new opportunities for research-driven education, Community Engaged Learning and education of professionals. For example, students learn to conduct scientific research that focuses on business as an actor in social transition processes.