Research group REconomy

The research group REconomy focuses on developing knowledge and practices that contribute to an economy that actively responds to urgent societal challenges such as climate change, inequality, polarization, and inclusivity. We do not view the economy as a fixed endpoint, but as a social construct that can be continuously questioned, redefined, and reshaped.

The research profile is anchored in five guiding pillars:

REflect
REdefine
REsponsible
REconcile
REsilience

Building on these principles, we challenge dominant paradigms, develop new narratives, and translate them into meaningful actions.

Through applied and interdisciplinary research, carried out in close collaboration with students and societal partners, REconomy seeks to contribute to broad prosperity and to the well-being of present and future generations. Central to this ambition is connecting macro-level themes such as sustainability and digitalization with micro-level practices in organizations and communities, thereby creating impact at multiple levels: individual, organizational, and societal.

Within the research group REconomy, four professorships join forces: Green Economics & Process Optimization, People, Work & Organization, Organisations and Social Media, and Transformational Media. Together, we collaborate with a wide range of partners – from startups to established companies, from local communities to international organizations.

Contact details

For more information, please get in touch by email.

[email protected]

Who are we?

REconomy contributes to the transition towards a sustainable and inclusive economy through applied, interdisciplinary research. In doing so, we link societal challenges such as climate change, inequality, and digitalization to practice in organizations and communities.

Our aim is to work together with students and professionals to foster broad prosperity and enhance the well-being of present and future generations.

Teammembers

Green Economics and Process Optimization

People, Work & Organization

Organisations & Social Media

Transformational Media

Publications

Below you’ll find a selection of publications from the research group. These publications have been carefully chosen to highlight the research focus and lines of inquiry:

Galama, J., & Harms, B. (2025). Promoting sustainable disposal behaviour of unused medicines: Exploring the barriers and drivers using the COM-B model. Sustainable Futures, 10, 101104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.101104
Harms, B., & Evens, T. (2025). The future is digital and sustainable: redefining media through twin transformation – 2024 special issue of the European Media Management Association (emma). Journal of Media Business Studies, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/16522354.2025.2538161
Kerstens, J., & Schulz, D. (2024). Wegwijzer Digitaal Burgerschap. Inzicht in behoeften en uitdagingen: peiling onder professionals gecombineerd met bevindingen uit (inter)nationale literatuur. In opdracht van Nationale Bibliotheek (KB) en SIDN-fonds.
Olthaar, M. (2025). Alles van waarde. Bot uitgevers.
Rietveld, J. & Waalkens, J. (2024). Exploring Extra-Curricular Bootcamps: A Qualitative Study on Accelerated Learning in Higher Education. International Journal for Higher Education, 13(4).
Rietveld, J.R., Hiemstra, D., Brouwer, A.E., & Waalkens, J. (2022). Motivation and Productivity of Employees in Higher Education during the First Lockdown. Administrative Sciences, 12(1): 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci12010001
Schulz, D., Kerstens, J., & Sajoe, D. (2025). Getting a Grip on Disinformation: From Distrust to Trust Within Learning Communities. In Securing Democracies: Defending Against Cyber Attacks and Disinformation in the Digital Age (S.J. Shackelford, F. Douzet & C. Ankersen, Eds.). Cambridge University Press.
Vegter, D., Van Hillegersberg, J., & Olthaar, M. (2023). Performance Measurement System for Circular Supply Chain Management. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 36, 171–183.