Kerstin J. Schaefer

Dr. Kerstin J. Schaefer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economic Geography at Utrecht University, affiliated with the School of Human Geography and Spatial Planning within the Faculty of Geosciences. Her research bridges Economic Geography, International Business Studies, and Transport Studies, focusing on innovation dynamics, standardization processes, and the socio-spatial implications of new mobility technologies.

Her work examines how multinational firms leverage global industry standards to enhance competitiveness, particularly in emerging economies such as China. She analyzes R&D internationalization strategies using patent data and investigates the digitalization of public transport access, highlighting risks of social exclusion. Current projects include automated driving standardization and AI's impact on job markets.

Dr. Schaefer employs mixed methods including patent analytics, qualitative interviews, and regional statistical analysis. She teaches courses like 'Capita Selecta in Economics and Geography: Innovative and Sustainable Regions' and supervises theses on topics such as multinational firms' global knowledge flows, technology development in emerging markets, and transport-related social exclusion.