Ben Wubs

Ben Wubs is Full Professor of International Business History at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC), Erasmus University Rotterdam, and also serves as Appointed Project Professor at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University. His academic work bridges economic history, business systems, and transnational cultural industries, with a strong focus on multinational enterprises and their historical, political, and economic contexts.

• Erasmus University Rotterdam – Professor, Department of History
• Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University – Appointed Project Professor
• Programme Director, GLOCAL Erasmus Mundus Master’s Program

His research spans a wide array of topics, including Dutch-German economic relations, tax strategies of multinationals, the transnational fashion industry, and the historical dynamics between business and political power. He has led major research projects funded by NWO, HERA II, and the Volkswagen Stiftung, including studies on the Rhine economy, fashion forecasting, and the impact of war and Cold War on corporate structures. His work often involves international collaboration, particularly within Europe and Japan.

The most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining business history with cultural heritage, digital humanities, and fashion studies. Themes such as transnational networks, brand building, museum curation, and student engagement in fashion heritage are prominent. His editorial work on The Fashion Forecasters and The Rhine Economy underscores his leadership in uncovering hidden narratives in economic and cultural history.

Scientific recognition includes being an Erasmus Fellow (2008–2012), Council Member of the European Business History Association, and Secretary of RHINe, a transnational network of economic historians. He has secured significant grants, including the HERA II grant (2013) and the Volkswagen Stiftung grant (2022), reflecting sustained excellence in research funding.

Wubs is actively involved in academic mentoring and program leadership. As Programme Director of the GLOCAL Erasmus Mundus program, he oversees a multinational master’s degree involving institutions across Europe and Latin America. He has supervised several students, as noted in 'Supervised Work (5)', and contributes to education through teaching on international business, fashion history, and innovation. His editorial role at Fashion Theory and numerous peer-review activities highlight his service to the academic community.

He leads and participates in collaborative research initiatives such as 'Re-Frame Fashion', an Erasmus+-funded digital platform connecting academia and fashion stakeholders, and the 'Outport and Hinterland' project on Rotterdam's economic ties with Germany. These efforts reflect a commitment to public engagement, digital dissemination, and transnational academic cooperation.