Center For Sustainable Entrepreneurship - CenSE
In the Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CenSE), we conduct applied scientific research on sustainable entrepreneurship in family businesses and SMEs, detecting trends and challenges in the economy or society.
Twin Transition
At CenSE, we recognize the transformative potential of the European Union's Twin Transitions —digitalization and sustainability— and their pivotal role in shaping a green, inclusive, and innovative future. As a center dedicated to applied scientific research in sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly within family businesses and SMEs, we are committed to empowering the local private sector to lead this transformation.
Social Circular Economy
CenSE contributes to the transition to a sustainable and inclusive society through research on the social circular economy, social impact and sustainability. This research cluster analyses organisations that create both economic and social value, with a particular focus on the collaboration and growth mechanisms of social and circular enterprises.
Competencies For The Future
In an increasingly fast-evolving society, future-oriented competences are essential, both on an organisational and personal level. We therefore actively pursue research projects on competences of the future (sustainability competences, digital and entrepreneurial competences) and on innovation in the learning process.
Projects in the spotlight
News
CenSE Research Week 2025
How can startups and SMEs secure funding to set up and scale their businesses? The GrowthFundMe platform, named after the project of the same name, helps SMEs grow through crowdfunding.
The article below, written by our researchers Tineke Jacobs and Philippe Eiselein, delves into how crowdfunding can help SMEs that are looking to expand, innovate, and thrive in a competitive market.
Read the article and discover how crowdfunding can help you reach your personal and professional goals.
CenSE Research Week 2025
The Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CenSE) brought together researchers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of social and circular innovation. With a strong focus on SDG 9 & SDG 17, the event centered on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and creating impact.
Explore. Innovate. Collaborate.
Micro-credential Sustainable solutions to complex problems
In the video to the left, the head of our research group, Bart Henssen, explains why it is necessary to seek sustainable solutions to complex problems. Would you like to learn more about this systemic way of thinking and are you looking for a short, practice-oriented and scientifically based training to achieve sustainable change? Then this training is for you.
Social Innovation Forum 2024 - Philippe Eiselein
"Lessons Learned in Training Tomorrow’s Gamechangers"
A short intervention from Philippe Eiselein, presenting the main goals and preliminary findings from the Erasmus+ project ESIC, which aims to develop a European curriculum for social innovation between 2023 and 2027. (see Philippe Eiselein in action from 31:00 minute)