Christian Lechner

Christian Lechner serves as Full Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Department of Business and Management at Luiss University, bringing extensive experience from previous faculty positions at Free University of Bolzano and Toulouse Business School in France.

His academic credentials include:

• Bachelor's and Master's in Business Administration from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich)
• MBA from the University of Georgia, USA
• Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Regensburg

Professor Lechner's research examines the complex interplay between entrepreneurial cognition, team dynamics, and organizational structures. His investigations into heuristics and business outliers challenge conventional growth models, while his work on organizational design-performance interfaces provides actionable frameworks for venture scaling. Published in premier outlets including Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, his scholarship bridges theoretical rigor with practical application.

He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in entrepreneurship ecosystem development, having launched PhD programs, business incubators, and innovative financing mechanisms that connect academic institutions with public administration and investor communities. His dual expertise in scholarly research and practical venture creation establishes a unique foundation for mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

As Director of the Department of Business and Management, he oversees academic programs while maintaining active engagement with startup communities through advisory roles and investment board participation. His editorial position at the International Small Business Journal further amplifies his influence in shaping contemporary entrepreneurship discourse.