Thomas Clauß

Thomas Clauß is Professor and WIFU Endowed Chair for Corporate Entrepreneurship and Digitalization in Family Businesses at the University of Witten/Herdecke's Faculty of Business and Society. He serves as Vice Dean for Research and Adjunct Professor for Business Model Innovation at the University of Southern Denmark.

Education

• Diplom in Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen (summa cum laude), University of Kassel (2008)
• Dr. rer. pol., University of Hamburg (2012)
• Postdoctoral habilitation-equivalent evaluation (2016)

Research Focus
His work examines digital transformation, business model innovation, and sustainability in SMEs and family businesses. Current projects analyze AI adoption, cybersecurity challenges, and startup collaboration in family firms, while his book projects address family businesses and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Award Highlights

• 2024: IEEE TEM Best Publication Award
• 2023: Schulze Publication Award
• 2022: Best Paper on IFERA Conference Theme
• 2017: Best Young Researcher Award

Academic Leadership
He co-edits the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior and Research, contributes to editorial boards, and organizes R&D Management conference sessions on SME innovation dilemmas. His teaching includes Digital Transformation of Organizations, Business Model Innovation, and Strategic Entrepreneurship at multiple institutions.