Arnold Wilts

Dr. Arnold Wilts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Administration and Organizational Science at Utrecht University's School of Governance. He specializes in organizational theory, stakeholder collaboration, and qualitative research methods within public sector contexts.

Wilts earned his MSc in Sociology (1992) and PhD in Science Studies (1997) from the University of Amsterdam, with his doctoral research examining the emergence of economics as an academic discipline in the Netherlands. His academic journey included postdoctoral positions at the Max Planck Institute for Social Research in Cologne (1997-1999) and the University of Amsterdam (1999-2001), followed by a lectureship in strategic management at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2001-2007).

His research focuses on public organizations, organizational culture, professional development, and educational innovation. Wilts examines how organizations navigate complex societal challenges, with particular interest in sustainable governance and organizational transitions. His work integrates perspectives from public administration, organizational science, and cultural studies to understand institutional adaptation.

His publication 'Living in a fly-over world: on moving in a heterogeneous navigational culture' demonstrates his interest in how people navigate complex spatial and organizational environments, contributing to discussions about mobility, spatial organization, and cultural practices in contemporary society.

• Program coordinator of master's programme Organisation, Culture and Management (2009-2023)
• Co-project leader of USO project 'Education with Professionals' (2021-2023)
• Transition coordinator in LLO Katalysator project (starting September 2024)

Wilts teaches courses including 'The future is now. Sustainable governance of urgent societal challenges,' 'Integrating Insights: Interdisciplinary Research Project,' 'Management of organizations,' and 'Organizations in transition: positioning and impact,' emphasizing practical applications of organizational theory to contemporary governance challenges.