Harry Hummels becomes first professor of Social Entrepreneurship in the Netherlands

As of 1 May, 2016, Harry Hummels is appointed Professor of Social Entrepreneurship at Utrecht University School of Economics, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. With that, Utrecht has a first: this chair is the first regarding Social Entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. In Utrecht, Hummels will get to work on the new research route International Innovation in Chains of Value, starting with the chain of value for cocoa. Two of the sponsors for his chair are Tony's Chocolonely and ABN AMRO.

Hummels is currently Professor of Ethics, Organisations and Society at Maastricht University, where his work includes reflecting on value-based trading in business, the financial sector and society.

Harry Hummels says: "Social entrepreneurs can make a real difference and their approach can contribute to a more social, societal and environmental society. It is important to involve the entire chain of value in this. I am really looking forward to joining Utrecht University's Social Entrepreneurship Initiative and contributing to the development of new knowledge about enterprises and their societal opportunities, challenges and responsibilities."

Utrecht University Social Entrepreneurship Initiative

Hummels' appointment fits Utrecht University's ambition to seriously establish social entrepreneurship by means of the Utrecht University Social Entrepreneurship Initiative (SEI). The SEI gives social entrepreneurship a recognisable place of its own within teaching programmes, stimulates and facilitates multidisciplinary research and creates and shares knowledge, values and applications in cooperation with external partners.

Social Entrepreneurship Festival in Utrecht

From 7 to 13 April, Utrecht University will, for the first time, host the Social Entrepreneurship Festival; a creative breeding ground for (social) entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, students and policy makers. Hummels will represent Utrecht University at the festival's European Social Business Forum, which will be held in Tivoli Vredenburg on 12 April.