SBE researchers involved in NWO research on the role of the pension sector in the sustainability transition
How can the Dutch pension sectors drive the shift toward a more sustainable future? An interdisciplinary consortium lead Prof. Dr. Lisa Brüggen (Tilburg University, UM/SBE) has been awarded a prestigious NWO research grant to explore this very question.
The project ‘Clarifying the Dutch pension sector’s role in the sustainability transition’ has been awarded €750,000 in funding and is led by SBE Prof. Dr Lisa Brüggen. From SBE, she is joined by Prof. Dr Rob Bauer, an expert in sustainable investing.
The Dutch pension sector manages over €2 trillion in assets and can play a key role in the transition to a sustainable economy. Yet its contribution remains limited. This project aims to strengthen the sector’s role in this transition.
The project focuses on what pension funds are legally permitted to do, what is practically feasible, and what participants want in terms of sustainability. The consortium is developing practical tools for investment and policy decisions, based on legal analysis and methods that actively involve participants in sustainability-related challenges.
According to Prof. Bauer, sustainable investing requires thorough evaluation rather than mere ambition. In a recent article, he argues that impact, risks and participant preferences must be made measurable. Without such measurability, the sector risks losing both credibility and effectiveness.
Lisa Brüggen is Professor of Financial Services at Maastricht University and the Director of Netspar. She is also Extraordinary Professor at the Chair of Pension Communication and Decision Support.
Multidisciplinary consortium
In addition to Maastricht University, five other universities are participating: Tilburg University (lead), the University of Groningen, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the University of Amsterdam, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
The participating researchers represent diverse scientific disciplines, including finance, economics, law, psychology, strategy, business studies, sustainable management, consumer behaviour, and marketing.
The project also involves collaboration with APG, PGGM, a.s.r. and Nationale-Nederlanden. Conducted within the Netspar knowledge network, the research brings science and practice together in a direct and impactful way.
Rob Bauer is Professor of Finance (Institutional Investors) at the School of Business and Economics. He also holds the Elverding Chair on Sustainable Business, Culture and Corporate Regulation.