Past Events | Antwerp Centre for Entrepreneurship Research

2025

21 October - ECOOM Policy Day 2025

On Tuesday, 21 October 2025, our member Eugénie Delzenne (University of Antwerp & Ghent University) presented her ongoing research—“From Interdisciplinary Research to Productive Interactions: Assessing the Societal Impact of Interdisciplinarity in the Social Sciences & Humanities”—at the ECOOM Policy Day 2025, themed “Productivity and the Knowledge Economy: Challenges in 2025.” She was joined by co-authors Tim Engels, Johanna Vanderstraeten, and Eline Vandewalle, with Joshua Eykens and Raf Guns also contributing to the research.

Their work examines the relationship between researchers’ practice of interdisciplinarity and their patterns of engagement with non-academic stakeholders, including companies & government institutions.

The event concluded with a panel debate moderated by Prof. dr. Bart Van Looy (KU Leuven, co-supervisor ECOOM), reflecting on the policy implications of declining productivity growth and the role of research in fostering innovation and societal well-being.

10-12 September - European Policy for Intellectual Property (EPIP) 2025 Conference

The European Policy for Intellectual Property (EPIP) 2025 Conference will take place at the University of Antwerp from 10 to 12 September 2025. This year’s conference theme is: Turning IP Ambitions into Action: Creating Connections, Collaborations, and Communities. The EPIP conference brings together scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers working on the economic, legal, political, and managerial aspects of intellectual property rights. EPIP2025 welcomes submissions from all disciplines relevant to these themes.

EPIP2025 is hosted by the University of Antwerp and organised by a local committee led by Esther Van Zimmeren, with the support of Simon Geiregat, Arina Gorbatyuk, Amandine Léonard, Jasmine Meysman, Christine Frison, Johanna Vanderstraeten, Wim Vanhaverbeke, Hendrik Vanhees, and Jozefien Vanherpe.

27 August - Research Seminar with Siri Terjesen

We are happy to invite you to a research seminar with Professor Siri Terjesen (Florida Atlantic University), a renowned researcher in the domain of Corporate Governance. She will present the paper “Corporate governance deviance” on Wednesday August 27, 2025 at the Stadscampus of the University of Antwerp.

Corporate governance deviance is the adoption of governance practices that overconform or underconform to dominant governance logic. Using institutional and agency theories and a difference-in-differences design across 46 countries, we examine whether voluntary regulations (i.e. comply-or-explain) deviate from corporate governance norms, leading to symbolic compliance or to genuine inclusion. We find that while gender diversity reforms increase female board representation, the impact varies by cultural contexts. In less egalitarian countries, boards are less likely to appoint additional female directors, assign them to key committees, or place them in leadership roles. However, regardless of culture, “reluctant compliance” describes governance underconforming deviance in countries implementing “comply-or-explain” gender diversity reforms, often results in symbolic efforts such as adding board seats for female directors rather than replacing male directors.

15 May - Belgian Entrepreneurship Research Day (BERD) 2025

On Friday, May 15th, members of the ECOOM Student Entrepreneurship Research Group and Antwerp Centre for Entrepreneurship Research participated in the 15th Belgian Entrepreneurship Research Day (BERD), hosted by the Université de Namur. Several of these members also presented during this event, including:

🎙️ Erika Branca - “Intersecting Identities: Gender, Migration, and Social Class in Shaping Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Behaviour”

🎙️ Eugénie Delzenne - “Nurturing Entrepreneurial Intention of PhD Students Across Academic Disciplines: A Multigroup Analysis”

🎙️ Nina Marien - “From Crowds to Boards: The Impact of Equity Crowdfunding on Board Size”

🎙️ Tristan De Blick - “Debt Diversity as a Driver of SME Growth: The Role of Strategic Changes”

🎙️ Marie van Hauwaert - “The Global Diffusion of 'Oppositional' Certifications: Evidence from the B-Corp Certification”

Many thanks to Marcus Dejardin and his team for organizing such a well-run and inspiring day of research and networking.

13 May - STRATEGO Webinar on #Entrepreneurship through an #Intersectional Lens

On May 13, 2025, the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence STRATEGO hosted a thought-provoking session, moderated by Johanna Vanderstraeten, exploring how intersecting identities shape entrepreneurial motivations, experiences, and inequalities. STRATEGO promotes a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and institutions within the EU governance system, with a focus on trust, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. In this context, the webinar offered both conceptual grounding and empirical insight into the role of intersectionality in entrepreneurship research.

The session featured two insightful presentations:

Francesco Paolo Lagrasta (Politecnico di Bari, Italy)

“Feminisms and Entrepreneurship: Investigating a Troubled Connection”

This presentation examined the complex and often overlooked relationship between feminist theory and entrepreneurship. It highlighted how feminist perspectives challenge dominant entrepreneurial norms by centering inclusivity, equity, and social impact. Reflections from ongoing research illustrated how feminist entrepreneurs pursue business not only for economic reasons but also as a means of self-realisation and systemic change, broadening our understanding of what entrepreneurship can mean.

Erika Branca (University of Antwerp & Ghent University)

“Empirical Insights from the ECOOM Student Entrepreneurship Research Group: Intersecting Identities in Student Entrepreneurship”

As part of the ECOOM Student Entrepreneurship Project, which aims to generate insights and policy recommendations to support student entrepreneurship in Flanders, Erika presented how gender, migration background, and social class intersect to shape students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and behaviour. Preliminary findings show that women, migrants, and students from lower social classes tend to report lower ESE, linked to exposure to discrimination, stereotypes, and structural barriers. These effects are especially pronounced for second-generation immigrants. Lower ESE, in turn, reduces the likelihood of engaging in entrepreneurial activities. The presentation highlighted the need for intersectional research frameworks that move beyond one-dimensional categories to better understand and support diverse student entrepreneurs by capturing how overlapping disadvantages shape entrepreneurial engagement.

This webinar contributed to an ongoing dialogue on how intersectional approaches can enrich entrepreneurship research, inform policy, and foster more inclusive ecosystems.

16 January - Workshop AI in Entrepreneurship Research, Teaching and Practice

Join us for a workshop exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in entrepreneurship. This event brings together academics and industry experts to delve into AI’s impact on research, education, and real-world applications in start-ups and SMEs. Throughout the day, attendees will engage in thought-provoking sessions. Keynotes by Dries Faems and Steve Muylle will highlight AI’s potential in research and teaching. Closing with a debate on AI start-ups with leading practitioners, the workshop provides a unique networking opportunity for academics looking to deepen their understanding of AI's role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Programme:

9.00u – 9.30u: Coffee
9.30u – 9.45u: Introduction Speaker: Prof. dr. Ine Paeleman (Antwerp Centre for Entrepreneurship Research, University of Antwerp)
9.45u – 10.45u: AI in research.Speaker: Prof. dr. Dries Faems (WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management)10.45u – 11.00u: Break
11.00u – 12.00u: AI in research.Speaker: Prof. dr. Dries Faems (WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management)12.00 – 13.15u: Lunch
13.15u – 14.45u: AI in teaching.Speakers: Prof. dr. Steve Muylle (Vlerick Business School) - José Gerardo Herrera (Vlerick Business School).14.45u – 15.15u: Coffee Break
15.15 – 16.00u: AI start-ups and AI in SMEs.Speakers: Wim De Waele (Miles Ahead), Prof. dr. Petra Andries (Ghent University), Prof. dr. Geoffrey Aerts (VUB BUDA), Jan-Willem Rombouts (Beebop.ai)
16.00 – 16.45u: Panel debate on AI start-ups.Panelists: Prof. dr. Geoffrey Aerts (VUB BUDA), Prof. dr. Petra Andries (Ghent University), Wim De Waele (Miles Ahead), Jan-Willem Rombouts (Beebop.ai)Moderator: Prof. dr. Miguel Meuleman (Vlerick Business School)
16.45 – 17.30u: Reception

2024

24 November - Day of Science 2024

We're proud to announce again our participation in this science festival! Our team has crafted an engaging board game that simulates strategic changes in the Antwerp Zoo. "De weg naar verandering" offers a playful yet profound insight into the dynamics of corporate strategy. Through this game, we're bringing to life the financial acumen, governance challenges, and the emotional and cognitive considerations that are pivotal in steering firms through times of change. The game even focusses at a real strategic change of the Antwerp Zoo, where the Day of Science takes place.

♟️ Ready to Roll the Dice? Come and play "De weg naar verandering" and gain an experiential understanding of what it takes to navigate and implement strategic changes in the complex ecosystem of firms. Our researchers will be there to guide you through the nuances of the game and discuss the rich tapestry of knowledge that weaves together the fabric of business transformation.

🦁 Meet Us at the Zoo! Curious to experience the thrill of strategic decision-making? Join us on November 26th at the Day of Science in the Antwerp Zoo for a unique blend of science and fun. More information: https://www.dagvandewetenschap.be

15 November - Em. Prof. Eddy Laveren appointed as ECSB Fellow

At the Annual General Meeting of the ECSB (European Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship) on November 15, 2024, Em. Prof. Eddy Laveren was nominated and appointed as the 21st ECSB Fellow.

ECSB Fellows are members of the ECSB who are recognized for their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, research/education, and service to the ECSB organization. Being an ECSB Fellow is considered a lifetime honorary membership of the organization.

Em. Prof. Eddy Laveren (Department of Accounting and Finance and member of the Antwerp Centre for Entrepreneurship Research) served on the ECSB Board of Directors for 11 years and was President from 2019 to 2021. He coordinated the annual RENT conference on entrepreneurship for over 20 years and personally organized the conference twice in Belgium (Brussels in 2006 and Antwerp in 2016).

21 November - Entrepreneurship ACF Research seminar November

Program:

11.00h – 12-00h, A venture studio: a new type of entrepreneurial support organisation, Laurence Rijssegem (University of Ghent), Ine Paeleman (University of Antwerp).

Abstract: Venture studios are a new type of entrepreneurial support organization (ESO). Despite the growing popularity of venture studios, empirical research on venture studios is still largely lacking due to conceptual ambiguity. To address this gap, we investigate how venture studios differ from other ESOs, distinguish between different types of venture studios, and clarify how they create value for their portfolio startups. This exploratory study investigates 14 venture studios in Europe and adopts a design lens to identify the venture studio’s key design elements. We identify five key design elements and distinguish between three different types of venture studios. We contribute to the ESO literature by delineating venture studios as a new type of ESO. Further, by introducing a design lens, we contribute to the venture studio literature by developing a theoretically grounded approach to analyze venture studios.

12.00h – 13.00h, Persuading the crowd of novel ideas: A configurational investigation of signaling and framing in equity crowdfunding, Lien Denoo (Tilburg University).

Abstract: Integrating signaling theory and entrepreneurial framing literature, we adopt Qualitative Comparative Analysis to explore how new ventures with varying novelty achieve fundraising success by framing human, social, and intellectual capital signals. Using a sample of new ventures on a leading UK- based equity crowdfunding platform, we show intricate configurational patterns and identify four fundraising strategies: Certified Prorotype Specifics and Patent-Driven Prototype Coherence for pre-market ventures with novel ideas, Validated Product Specifics for post-market ventures with novel ideas, and Socially-Proved Achievements Elaboration for post-market ventures with less novel ideas. We extend research on signaling theory, entrepreneurial framing, and entrepreneurial finance with contingent and configurational insights: signaling and framing can complement or substitute each other, whose performance implication depends heavily on novelty and the stages of new ventures.

Managerial summary: Convincing investors is a daunting challenge for entrepreneurs with novel business ideas, as investors face extreme uncertainty and severe information asymmetries, which could be overcome by signaling venture quality and framing entrepreneurial ideas as suggested by previous research. In this article, we take a configurational lens and investigate how signaling, framing, and novelty jointly (rather than independently) help entrepreneurs achieve fundraising success in the context of equity crowdfunding. Our findings yield four distinct fundraising strategies for different types of new ventures: Certified Prorotype Specifics and Patent-Driven Prototype Coherence for pre-market ventures with novel ideas, Validated Product Specifics for post-market ventures with novel ideas, and Socially-Proved Achievements Elaboration for post- market ventures with less novel ideas. We therefore provide entrepreneurs with comprehensive and actionable instructions in fundraising.

6 September - Exploring Databases and Discussing Academic Life: Highlights from Our Informal AntwerpCER get-together

Today, AntwerpCER hosted an engaging informal get-together, bringing together academic entrepreneurship researchers to share insights, network, and explore the intricacies of academic life. The event, held on Friday, September 6th, from 11:00 to 14:00, was a vibrant mix of knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions.

The day began with an informative session dedicated to presenting various research databases available for entrepreneurship studies. The colleagues that present their work:

Marc Deloof: SCOB database
Nina Marien: Equity Crowdfunding database
Eugénie Delzenne and Riyaad Ismail: GUESSS database
Robin De Cock: VLAIO Entrespiegel database and the PwC Corporate Venturing Barometer database.

The presentations were followed by a Q&A session, where attendees engaged with the presenters, delving deeper into the methodologies, applications, and potential of these databases.

After the knowledge-packed presentations, we took a break to enjoy lunch. This break was not just about the food—it provided a perfect opportunity for informal networking, where new connections were formed and ideas were exchanged.

The second part featured round-table discussions on "Hurdles, Questions, and Opportunities in Academic Life." These discussions were highly interactive, allowing participants to openly share their experiences, challenges, and insights related to the academic landscape. From writing strong research proposals to submitting papers to high-quality journals and understanding what makes a good supervisor, the discussions were both candid and enlightening. The round tables created a collaborative atmosphere where participants could openly share their experiences, exchange valuable tips, and learn from each other's journeys in academia.

We're grateful to all the presenters and participants who made this event a success. We look forward to hosting more such events in the future, where academia and entrepreneurship continue to intersect, inspire, and innovate.

Stay tuned for details on our next get-together and other exciting initiatives!

2023

2 May - Belgian Entrepreneurship Research Day (BERD) 2023

UAntwerp and Antwerp Management School are part of the Belgian Entrepreneurship Research Network (BERN). This year’s Belgian Entrepreneurship Research Day (BERD) will be organized by Ghent University and Vlerick Business School on the 2^nd of May, 2023”.

BERD’s objective is to bring together Belgian entrepreneurship researchers to present their latest research and provide network opportunities. This day will start with a keynote speech (to be announced later), followed by paper presentation sessions. Doctoral students, researchers and professors are invited to submit papers in any area of entrepreneurship. English will be the working language during presentations and discussions.

Authors can submit a paper to present at BERD through the registration form linked down below. The deadline for submission of full papers is the 3^rd of April. A notice of acceptance will be sent out in the week of April 11.

The organizing committee for the event is composed of: Frank Janssen (Université de Louvain), Hans Crijns (Vlerick Business School), Eddy Laveren (University of Antwerp), Bernard Surlemont (Université de Liège), Pieter Vandekerkhof (Universiteit Hasselt), Olivier Witmeur (Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management), Marcus Dejardin (University of Namur & UC Louvain), Vincent Molly (KU Leuven), and Mirjam Knockaert (Ghent University).

27 June - Workshop 'Networking for introverts' on Tuesday 27 June by Prof. Kerry Brown and Dr. Jalleh Sharafizad

Networking can be a powerful way to make connections, build relationships and exchange information and resources. However, networking is an activity and a skill that may challenge you or take you out of your comfort zone. In this workshop, Professor Kerry Brown, and Dr Jalleh Sharafizad support you on your networking journey and offer helpful advice on making the most of your networking experience. As an outcome of this workshop, you will have a better idea of how to use networking opportunities to build your academic career, have tips to start your networking, and we hope, be able to connect with key stakeholders within your networks with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

Professor Kerry Brown is the Immediate Past President Australia and Professor of Employment and Industry at Edith Cowan University has extensive experience in negotiation, networking, and collaboration. Her workshops co-led with Dr Jalleh Sharafizad Edith Cowan University on Networking forIntroverts are a popular topic for emerging academics. Dr Jalleh Sharafizad is a senior lecturer in Business Services in the School of Business and Law at the Edith Cowan University. As recognized researchers in the field of entrepreneurship, both Professor Kerry Brown and Dr Jalleh Sharafizad work closely with industry and business associations to build up capabilities for all businesses within Western Australia.

26 November - Day of Science 2023

We're proud to announce our participation in this science festival! Our team has crafted an engaging board game that simulates strategic changes in the Antwerp Zoo. "De weg naar verandering" offers a playful yet profound insight into the dynamics of corporate strategy. Through this game, we're bringing to life the financial acumen, governance challenges, and the emotional and cognitive considerations that are pivotal in steering firms through times of change. The game even focusses at a real strategic change of the Antwerp Zoo, where the Day of Science takes place.

5-7 July - 7th Entrepreneurial Finance Association (ENTFIN) Conference

Following the success of prior ENTFIN conferences, the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Antwerp is proud to organize the seventh conference on Entrepreneurial Finance in the historical city center of Antwerp, Belgium, in collaboration with the Antwerp Management School. Conference sessions will be held on Thursday 6 July and Friday 7 July, 2023. For the first time, the conference will also include a Doctoral and Early Career Colloquium on Wednesday 5 July.

We are delighted to confirm that the academic keynote speaker for the 2023 Entrepreneurial Finance Conference will be Tim Jenkinson, Professor of Finance at Oxford University. In addition, Jürgen Ingels, founder of fintech firm Clear2Pay and founder and managing partner of venture capital fund SmartFin, will share a practitioner’s view on entrepreneurial finance, both from an entrepreneur’s and an investor’s perspective.

Authors interested in presenting their paper at the conference should send the paper in a complete (including author information) and a blind PDF-version to the conference address below, no later than 15 March, 2023. Papers will be reviewed anonymously and authors will be notified of the decision by 30 April, 2023. All presenting authors are expected to discuss another paper. There is no conference submission fee. Early bird conference registration fee (before 1 June) is €350; the fee for registration between 1 June and 30 June is €450. The registration fee covers the opening reception, meals, coffee breaks, and conference dinner.

Linked to the Entfin conference will be a sponsored issue of The British Accounting Review with fast tracking for a regular issue. The British Accounting Review is the official journal of the British Accounting and Finance Association and publishes original studies on both accounting and finance. The British Accounting Review's 2020 CiteScore (7) and Impact Factor (5.577) rank the journal top 2 and 3 respectively among accounting journals as well as 7 in accounting and finance. It’s rated A* and 3 in ABDC and ABS Journal Quality Guides respectively. More information will become available on the journal's website.

Conference organizers:

Marc Deloof (University of Antwerp and Antwerp Management School)
Ann Jorissen (University of Antwerp)
Sophie Manigart (Vlerick Business School and Ghent University)
Ine Paeleman (University of Antwerp)
Tom Vanacker (Ghent University and University of Exeter)

The British Accounting Review - Fast Track:

Start-up and SME financing and/or investment activities
ESG and entrepreneurial finance
Crowdfunding
Business angels
Venture capital
Banking and the growth of entrepreneurial finance markets
Blockchain and smart contracts
Cryptocurrencies
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
Peer-to-Peer lending
Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)
Private equity and buyouts

29 March - Honorary degree Prof. dr. Shaker A. Zahra FBE 2023

Shaker A. Zahra is Robert E. Buuck Chair of Entrepreneurship and Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Carlson School of Management, the University of Minnesota. He has consulted with several leading multinationals regarding technology development, innovation, entrepreneurship and strategy. His research has appeared in the most prominent academic publications and been cited in the New York Times, Financial Times, Globe and Mail (Canada), INC, Philadelphia Inquirer, Minneapolis Star Tribune, NPR marketplace and many others. His research has also been translated into several languages. He has received numerous grants, honors and awards. He was listed as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher and one of The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds.

In recognition of his expertise in entrepreneurship. He is a pioneer for his contributions to entrepreneurship research. - Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota

Nominator: Prof. dr. Ine Paeleman
Masterclass and conferral of the honorary degree: Wednesday 29 March at 3 p.m.

Programme:

3 p.m.: Masterclass

Welcome by Prof. Koen Vandenbempt, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Antwerp
Introduction by Prof. Ine Paeleman, nominator
Masterclass ’Harnessing the Powers of Entrepreneurship on a Global Scale‘ by Prof. Shaker A. Zahra
Q&A – Moderator: Prof. Wim Vanhaverbeke

4.15 p.m.: Conferral of the honorary degree to Prof. Shaker A. Zahra

4.30 p.m.: End

29 March - Breakfast research seminar Prof. dr. Shaker Zahra and Prof. dr. Alain Verbeke

Invitation: breakfast research seminar with Prof. dr. Shaker Zahra and Prof. dr. Alain Verbeke

You are warmly invited to the breakfast research seminar with Prof. dr. Shaker Zahra and Prof. dr. Alain Verbeke on March 29 at 9am. This seminar will bring together academic students, faculty, and others to learn about emerging scholarship from leading thinkers, explore challenges in various fields of entrepreneurship, management, strategy, and internationalization, and engage in a vibrant discussion. There are countless topics that you can discuss with Prof. dr. ShakerZahra and Prof. dr. Alain Verbeke depending on the area of expertise and research interests.

GUESSS 2023: Insights into Student Entrepreneurship in Belgium and Flanders

As part of a collaborative research initiative involving the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, the University of Liège, the University of Namur, and UCLouvain, the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students’ Survey (GUESSS) 2023 was conducted to explore students' entrepreneurial intentions and activities across higher education institutions in Belgium.

The 2023 edition gathered 4,757 valid responses from students across Belgian universities and universities of applied sciences and arts, with 3,788 responses from Flemish universities and 540 responses from Flemish universities of applied sciences and arts. These data have been analyzed and presented in the GUESSS 2023 Belgium National Report and the Flemish Reports, providing valuable insights into student entrepreneurship at the national and regional levels.

Based on some of the key findings of these reports, the findings underscore the critical need to:

Address persistent gender disparities in entrepreneurship.

Leverage the significant potential among non-entrepreneurs who aspire to start businesses in the medium or long term.

Strengthen support systems for students across diverse academic disciplines.

SBO project Strategic change in family businesses

"How can family firms successfully deal with change?” This is the central question of the SBO project on “Strategic change in family businesses”. Family firms, the dominant organizational form in Flanders, are confronted with an environment that is constantly changing. In order to survive and continue to distinguish themselves from the competition, it is therefore crucial that family firms constantly reinvent themselves. However, many family firms often appear to adopt a rather conservative attitude and are quite reluctant to strategic change. Therefore, the question for academics and policymakers is under what conditions family firms can overcome this strategic inertia and successfully change strategically. To answer this question, a team of professors and doctoral students from UAntwerp and UHasselt have jointly started a large-scale research project on strategic changes in family firms. This project is funded by the SBO program of the Research Foundation (FWO).

In this project, not only the academic research is important, but also the practical relevance of the research results. The ultimate goal of this project is therefore to convert the scientifically innovative insights into practical tools that are useful for various stakeholder groups, such as social organizations and family firms. Some of these stakeholders are even involved as partners in the project. They assist the researchers throughout the project and provide the necessary advice to ensure the practical relevance of the project.

In order to keep partners and other interested parties informed of the results, a project website has been developed: www.strategicchange.be. Here you will also find a description of the project, the background of the researchers and an overview of the partners. Do you want to receive the latest updates about the project? Subscribe to our newsletter!