Thomas Retzmann

Thomas Retzmann is Professor and Chair of Economics and Business Education at the Faculty of Economics, University of Duisburg-Essen, where he has served since summer semester 2008. Currently holding dual leadership roles as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics (since 2023) and Dean of Studies of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (since 2024), his academic journey includes previous professorships at Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Education and acting professorships at multiple institutions including University of Halle/Wittenberg.

Retzmann's research focuses on economic general education in the digital age, entrepreneurial competence development, inclusive vocational education, and ethical dimensions of economic education. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in educational settings, particularly through innovative teaching methods like scenario techniques and product line analysis. His educational philosophy emphasizes the integration of ethical considerations into economic education, reflecting his early dissertation focus on business ethics.

His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on entrepreneurship education assessment, comparative economic competence measurement between Germany and Austria, affective learning objectives in entrepreneurship education, and inclusive vocational training models. He has developed several influential frameworks and practical educational tools including the 'losleger' potential analysis for entrepreneurial talent and the 'ethos' business ethics teaching modules.

• 1996: Dissertation awarded the Max Weber Prize for Business Ethics
• 2012: Max Weber Prize for Business Ethics in the school/textbook category for the 'ethos' project
• 2014: SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT Textbook Prize for 'Business and Corporate Ethics. 15 Teaching Modules'
• 2017: WGZ BANK Foundation Promotion Prize for the 'losleger' project

Retzmann has held significant leadership roles in academic organizations, including Chairman of the German Society for Economic Education (2009-2013) and currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Economic Education. Within his university, he has led major curriculum development initiatives and served as Program Manager for teaching degree programs for 15 years. His research group currently focuses on developing innovative approaches for economic literacy, entrepreneurship education, and inclusive vocational training through projects like 'Wirtschaftsbildung an Schulen der Sekundarstufe I in Österreich' and BEaGLE.