|
Dekanat

New Alumni Story: Dirk Schlotböller from Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia

Interview series featuring alumni of the School of Business & Economics

In part 19 of the Alumni Stories, we introduce Dirk Schlotböller, who studied economics at the University of Münster and graduated as a Diplom-Volkswirt (graduate economist). Following his time as a research associate at the Center for Applied Economic Research (CAWM) and early professional roles in academia and at the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), he now serves as Head of Division for "Macroeconomics and Statistics" at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia. In the interview, he shares how his studies in Münster shaped him, and how he views the role of science in political decision-making.

Read more about New Alumni Story: Dirk Schlotböller from Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia
|
Dekanat

Prof. Branger part of new DFG research group on economic uncertainty

How do risks affect decisions in financial markets and the economy? These and other questions about economic uncertainties are being examined by a new research group. The German Research Foundation is funding the group for four years with around €3.2 million. Prof. Dr. Nicole Branger from the Finance Center Münster is one of the seven applicants.

Read more about Prof. Branger part of new DFG research group on economic uncertainty
|
Dekanat

Largest AI Acquisition in Europe: Cognigy CEO is a Münster-based Information Systems Specialist

It is the largest AI acquisition in Europe to date and a strong sign of AI expertise in Germany: The start-up Cognigy, a leading CX AI platform, has announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by Nasdaq-listed NiCE for almost $1 billion. A graduate of the University of Münster is behind this success.

Philipp Heltewig, CEO and co-founder of Cognigy, studied Information Systems (MSc) at the University of Münster from 2002 to 2007 and spent a year abroad at our ERCIS Partner, the QUT in Brisbane Australia.

Read more about Largest AI Acquisition in Europe: Cognigy CEO is a Münster-based Information Systems Specialist
|
Dekanat

Journal of Marketing: Prof. Hohenberg on the added value of growth departments

So-called growth departments, led by chief growth officers, are becoming increasingly common in organizational structures. Until now, however, little was known about the tasks these units perform – and whether they are actually effective. Prof. Sebastian Hohenberg, Chair of Digital Transformation, together with Wei Zhou, also from the Chair of Digital Transformation, and Yashar Atefi and Saeed Janani from the University of Denver, conducted a study that examines the objectives, structure, and performance impact of growth departments. The results of this study have now been published in the Journal of Marketing, an A+ publication.

Read more about Journal of Marketing: Prof. Hohenberg on the added value of growth departments
|
Dekanat

Federal Minister of Transport reappoints Prof. Sieg to the Board of Academic Advisers

Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, MdB, has reappointed Prof. Gernot Sieg, Head of the Institute of Transport Economics at the University of Münster, as a member of the Academic Advisory Board to the Federal Ministry of Transport for another six years. The board's task is to advise the Federal Minister of Transport on all matters of transport policy. Prof. Gernot Sieg, who has also served as Chairman of the Academic Advisory Board since January 2024, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him.

Read more about Federal Minister of Transport reappoints Prof. Sieg to the Board of Academic Advisers
|
Dekanat

Doctoral Graduation Ceremony

Bei der Promotionsfeier am 9. Juli 2025 durften sich 9 Nachwuchswissenschaftler:innen der Wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Fakultät über den erfolgreichen Abschluss ihrer Promotion freuen. Die Doktorurkunden überreichte der Dekan der Fakultät, Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer.

Read more about Doctoral Graduation Ceremony
|
Dekanat

Enactus Münster wins National Cup 2025 with sustainable “Seads Solution”

In a historic triumph, the Enactus Münster team secured the national victory at the Enactus Germany National Cup 2025 in Berlin. This win not only earned them one of the most prestigious titles in student entrepreneurship but also qualified them for the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, the world championship for social entrepreneurial projects. The winning project, "Seads Solutions," aims to introduce a grain alternative from the ocean through the controlled cultivation of seagrass meadows.

Read more about Enactus Münster wins National Cup 2025 with sustainable “Seads Solution”
|
Dekanat

Over 400 Students Celebrate Graduation

In late June, 287 Bachelor's and 148 Master's students celebrated their graduation from the School of Business and Economics. Dean Professor Dr. Thomas Langer warmly congratulated the graduates, their families, and friends as they received their diplomas. AlumniUM honored the top three Bachelor's and Master's graduates from the School for their outstanding academic achievements. The festivities were organized by the School's Student Council.

Read more about Over 400 Students Celebrate Graduation
|
Dekanat

New study on start-ups in the renewable energy sector shows that start-ups are driving the energy transition

Start-ups in the field of renewable energies are seen as a key driver of the energy transition. In 2024, 1.2 billion euros in venture capital was invested in German energy start-ups, more than in any other technology field. But which factors determine the success of entrepreneurial initiatives in this field, what hurdles do they encounter and how can investments be translated into a measurable climate impact. Professor Dr. David Bendig and Linda Brüss, Head of Chair and Research Associate at the University of Münster's Institute for Entrepreneurship, investigated these questions together with Dr. Florian Degen, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Fraunhofer FFB. 

Read more about New study on start-ups in the renewable energy sector shows that start-ups are driving the energy transition