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We strive to discuss, transfer, and extend those insights in discussions with practitioners. This works out best by maintaining a continuous dialogue amongst scholars and practitioners. Our aim is to generate impact for family businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises on a regional, national and international level.

Thought leader and think tank

The Institute of Family Business and Mittelstand at WHU (ifbm@WHU) is a thought leader in the field of family business and small and medium-sized enterprises. With a dedicated team of scholars and practitioners, we aim to study different aspects of family firms, hidden champions as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Our most current research projects, for instance, aim to advance our understanding of innovation, leadership and employee satisfaction, succession, inertia, business ethics and financing of family firms as well as family offices.

Future of family firms

Disruption. Transformation. Resilience.

Professor Nadine Kammerlander as a guest in the podcast "Moment of Truth"

In dialog with Michael Pachmajer and Carsten Hentrich

 

This episode sheds light on how family businesses, often considered the "hidden champions" of the economy, are facing up to the challenges of a transformation towards a climate-neutral economy.

Get in touch with our team

Professor Nadine Kammerlander
Professor Nadine Kammerlander
Chairholder, Chair of Family Business
Professor Christina Günther
Professor Christina Günther
Chairholder, Chair of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Michèle Kwiotek
Michèle Kwiotek
Persönliche Assistenz
Asst.-Professor Julia de Groote
Asst.-Professor Julia de Groote
Merck Finck Assistant Professor
Adjunct Prof. Franz W. Kellermanns, Ph.D.
Adjunct Prof. Franz W. Kellermanns, Ph.D.
Affilliated Professor
Honorary Professor emeritus Peter May
Honorary Professor emeritus Peter May
Honorary Professor

Would you like to support us?

You can become our partner for

  • the Chair of Family Business
  • the Chair of Small and Medium Sized Businesses
  • a project
  • the WHU Campus for Family Business

 

*Please note that no donation receipt will be issued for donations up to an amount of €100.00. These can be recognized by the tax authorities even without receipts, provided that a list of expenses and the recipient is enclosed (e.g. booking confirmation from the bank as proof).

WHU Campus for Family Business

How can future generations be enthused for the own family business? How can a successful internationalisation be achieved? And how well are our hidden champions prepared for the digital transformation? The goal of the WHU Campus for Family Business is to transfer and discuss new findings from science and practice with keynotes and interactive workshops.

Publications

Contributing to cutting edge research

Take a look at our research reports and studies.

If you want to get more insights into the daily activities at our institute,
head over to our social media channels.
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