Stephan Hankammer

Stephan Hankammer serves as Professor for Sustainable Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Alanus University of Arts and Society, where he also holds the position of Pro-Dean of the Business Department. He leads the Sustainable Business program, teaching courses in Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Sustainability Management, and Innovation Management. His research focuses on business models that actively contribute to the regeneration of ecological and social systems within planetary boundaries, moving beyond mere sustainability toward restorative business practices.

Hankammer completed his doctoral studies at RWTH Aachen University with a focus on collaborative value creation from a sustainability perspective. He co-founded and serves as Scientific Director of the Institute for Regenerative Management (REGWI), a research institute affiliated with Alanus University. His academic background includes interdisciplinary studies in European Studies and Philosophy at Philipps-Universität Marburg and Business Administration at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, with additional studies in Spain through ERASMUS and DAAD scholarships.

Hankammer's research examines four key areas: the role of collaboration between stakeholders in sustainable business models, regenerative business principles that actively improve ecosystems, the dual challenge of digital and sustainable transformation, and business models that place the common good at their center. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, focusing on how businesses can transform to operate within planetary boundaries while serving societal needs.

His publication record shows consistent output in high-impact journals such as Journal of Cleaner Production and Journal of Business Economics, with research themes centered on sustainable business models, degrowth economics, and the intersection of mass customization with sustainability. His work demonstrates a clear progression from examining sustainable business practices toward more transformative regenerative business models.

• Best paper presentation award at European Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production Conference (ERSCP) 2017

Hankammer actively advises students and collaborates on research projects including "Industry 4.0 from a Sustainability Perspective" and "Regenerative Business Models" with multiple social impact companies. He serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Sustainable Design and regularly reviews for prominent sustainability journals.

At Alanus University, Hankammer leads the Chair for Sustainable Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which focuses on developing conditions, logics, and methods for regenerative, circular, and co-creative business practices. His work has significant implications for businesses seeking to move beyond sustainability toward active regeneration of ecological and social systems.