Bertrán Foundation Chair of Entrepreneurship
Chair: Christoph Zott
The Bertrán Foundation Chair of Entrepreneurship is dedicated to developing the entrepreneurial spirit and deepening knowledge of the entrepreneurial process, both in newly created companies and in the heart of existing companies.
Since its creation in 1987, the Chair has promoted a range of measures to support entrepreneurial projects. These resources, such as venture capital fund FINAVES and the Business Angels Network, also act as a testing ground for academic research into entrepreneurial initiatives.
Entrepreneurship classes are also offered in the MBA program, and competitions and business forums are organized. The activities of the Chair are channeled through the Entrepreneurship Department and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC).
Research areas.
- Creating new companies (Entrepreneurship). Management processes of companies, from the definition of the business plan to the consolidation of the company, including obtaining seed capital or fundraising on the market. Innovative projects are prioritized, both in traditional and emerging sectors.
- Creating new companies from already existing companies (Intrapreneurship). The distinct methods and strategies that an organization should adopt so as to facilitate and stimulate the creation and development of new businesses within the company itself. There is particular focus on business initiatives in family-run businesses.
Chair.
Christoph Zott is a professor in the department of Entrepreneurship and Bertrán Foundation Chair of Entrepreneurship. He holds graduate degrees with distinction in industrial engineering from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) and Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (France). He received his Ph.D. in commerce and business administration from the University of British Columbia (Canada). His current work centers on business model innovation, entrepreneurship in established firms, innovation strategy and new venture creation. He teaches, consults and conducts research on these topics.