Olof Zaring new Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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Olof Zaring's research includes studies on the emergence and development of high-tech industries, which may involve examining conditions that affect industry growth and competitiveness. He also conducts research on the governance and management of technological innovation at various societal levels to identify factors that create conditions for the emergence of new technologies and industries.

Furthermore, he investigates the environmental and social effects of service innovation, which may involve studying how services can replace physical products and impact the environment and society, for example, through reduced emissions or improved quality of life. Finally, another research interest is to analyse the causes and effects of the expansion and diversity of entrepreneurship education in Sweden in an international comparison. For example, how different educational methods promote risk-taking and entrepreneurship.

Multifaceted career in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Olof Zaring received his Ph.D. in 1999 from the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg. His dissertation was in business administration with the title "Investment decisions for the environment." He began his professional career working in the insurance, finance, and energy sectors. After that, he has devoted himself to research, teaching, and supervision in innovation, entrepreneurship, and management of intellectual assets at the Unit for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg.

The Unit for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is responsible for two master's programs: Innovation and Industrial Management and Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship. Olof Zaring has been both course coordinator and taught several courses, such as Risk Management, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the thesis course for the Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship program.

In addition to research and teaching, he and supervised several doctoral students and managed and developed the doctoral education at the department.

"There is much reward in teaching, supervising, and working together with students and young researchers. One thing I appreciate in doctoral education is the opportunity to work with education tailored to each doctoral student's needs."

Successful years as Head of Department

Since 2016, Olof Zaring has the assignment as Head of the Department of Economy and Society, where he successfully leads the work together with his management team.

"The most enjoyable part of being head of department is the varied tasks, and it will be interesting to be involved in the move to the School's new premises at Vasagatan 1. In the coming years, I will continue to utilize the space I have within my assignment as Head of Department to continue conducting research."