Robert Risse

Prof. Dr. Robert Risse is an esteemed academic and practitioner in tax law, currently serving at the Institute for Austrian and International Tax Law at Vienna University of Economics and Business since 2020. Previously, he held the position of Corporate Vice President Tax & Trade at Henkel AG & Co KGaA from 2000 to 2020, where he was globally responsible for taxation and customs. He also holds the title of Honorary Professor for Tax Compliance and Applied Tax Planning at the Institute for Business Taxation, University of Leipzig. His extensive career bridges academic excellence with practical corporate tax leadership.

Education

• 2017: Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Transfer Pricing Center of the Institute for International and Austrian Tax Law, Vienna University of Economics and Business
• 2014: Doctoral Thesis "Tax Compliance und Tax Risk Management: Eine rechtsvergleichende Analyse und Umsetzung in einem internationalen Konzern" at University of Freiburg
• 1986-1989: Second State Examination in Law, University of Bonn
• 1983-1986: First State Examination in Law, University of Bonn
• 1979-1982: Diplom Finanzwirt FH in Financial Sciences, University of Applied Sciences for Finances North Rhine-Westphalia

Research Interests

Prof. Risse's research focuses on the intersection of tax compliance, digitalization, and international tax systems. His work explores how digital technologies can transform tax compliance processes, particularly in multinational corporations. He has pioneered research on Tax Compliance Systems, Transfer Pricing in the digital age, and the integration of tax risk management with corporate governance frameworks. His expertise spans international tax law, corporate taxation, and the practical implementation of tax strategies in global business environments.

His recent work emphasizes the practical implementation of digital tax systems, with particular attention to blockchain applications, AI in tax compliance, and the integration of tax processes with broader business systems. He has developed frameworks for assessing tax risk in multinational corporations and has contributed significantly to the understanding of transfer pricing in the context of digital business models.

Publication Trends

Prof. Risse's recent publications reveal a strong focus on digital transformation in tax systems, with increasing attention to practical implementation challenges. His work consistently bridges theoretical tax principles with real-world corporate applications, particularly in multinational contexts. The emergence of topics like AI in tax administration, blockchain applications, and digital compliance systems reflects his forward-looking approach. His research shows a clear trajectory from traditional tax compliance toward integrated digital tax ecosystems that address both regulatory requirements and business efficiency needs.

Professional Engagement

• President of Gesprächskreis Rhein-Ruhr, Internationales Steuerecht e.V./International Fiscal Association (IFA) West
• Member of DIHK Finanz- und Steuerausschuss, Berlin
• Member of Düsseldorfer Vereinigung für Steuerrecht e.V
• Member of Fachinstitut der Steuerberater e.V., Düsseldorf
• Member of Institut Finanzen und Steuern, Berlin

Teaching and Advisory Roles

Prof. Risse has extensive teaching experience across multiple institutions including University of Leipzig, Vienna University of Economics and Business, University of Freiburg, University of Cologne, and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. He has supervised doctoral students through the "Doktorandenseminar zur Betriebswirtschaftlichen Steuerlehre" at University of Leipzig. His teaching focuses on international taxation, corporate tax law, and the practical application of tax planning in multinational corporations.