Kathrin Borner

Kathrin Borner is an Assistant Professor in Innovation Management at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University. She is also a visiting researcher at MIT Sloan, supported by the KNAW Van der Gaag Grant in 2024. Her academic work centers on how individuals and organizations innovate, particularly in informal and digital contexts.

Research Interests: Kathrin is a qualitative researcher with a strong focus on innovation processes. Her work explores digital innovation, user innovation, open innovation, and strategizing, often through ethnographic fieldwork. She has conducted in-depth studies in innovation ecosystems and the informal economy, particularly in Tanzania. Her methodological approach emphasizes case studies and multiple qualitative methods.

The two most recent articles reflect a consistent research trajectory in understanding innovation from the ground up—both in developing economies and in digital platforms. Her work bridges social sciences and technology management, emphasizing real-world practices of managers, users, and entrepreneurs.

Scientific Awards:

• KNAW Van der Gaag Grant (2024)
• Henry Chesbrough Best Student Paper Award (2022)

Advising and Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, Kathrin has secured competitive funding, notably the KNAW Van der Gaag Grant for her MIT visit. Her research is supported by peer-reviewed publications in top journals and active academic engagement.

Labs and Teams: There is no explicit mention of a lab or research team. However, she collaborates with scholars such as H. Berends, F. Deken, F. Feldberg, and E. L. Eijdenberg, and is involved in broader academic initiatives like Sectorplan SSH Breed.