Karin Schnitker

Prof. Dr. Karin Schnitker is a Professor of Management in the Agricultural Sector and Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. Her expertise spans strategic management, entrepreneurship, and innovation in agriculture and food systems. She leads research initiatives such as the Food Future Lab and the GROWTH project, focusing on agile leadership, open innovation, and sustainable business models.

• Education: PhD in Agricultural Economics, banking background, and extensive industry experience.
• Roles: Dean of the Faculty, Co-Lead of StartUp!Lab@HSOS, and member of expert committees for agricultural innovation funding (e.g., Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank).

Research Interests: Agri-food value chains, sustainable business strategies, innovation processes, and leadership in dynamic environments. Her work integrates action research, collaborating with startups and enterprises to develop scalable solutions.

Key Projects: Food Future Lab (sustainable food systems innovation), GROWTH (open innovation frameworks), and mentoring for agri-tech startups through EXIST and other programs.

• Grants: Over €200,000 in funding for projects like Bugfoundation GmbH's market entry strategy.
• Awards: Recognized in regional and national entrepreneurship initiatives, including the NBank Gründer-Award jury.

Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Food Future Lab and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in the Reallabor Entrepreneurship & Innovation.