Research Without Borders

As part of Maastricht University, the European University of the Netherlands, the School of Business and Economics' mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, co-creating knowledge, and developing team players and leaders for the future.

Academic research plays a vital role in achieving this mission, which is why SBE’s research is built on the following three core values:

  1. We combine fundamental and applied research to advance scientific knowledge and practice.
  2. We carry out transdisciplinary research to address complex societal problems.
  3. We conduct research that is internationally oriented with a solid base in the region.  

Accordingly, our mission statement for research is as follows: SBE’s research mission is to produce both fundamental and applied research, which is transdisciplinary and internationally oriented, in order to address complex societal problems and contribute to the global knowledge society.  You can find a more in-depth explanation of our core research values and more in the SBE Research Mission and Values document. 

SBE's Research Mission and Values document is based on consultation with members of our research community, the School’s leadership, and the School Board. The document outlines in-depth: SBE's vision on research, mission statement, core research values, strengths, and areas of expertise. It is a living document that will expand and grow as time goes on.

Strengths and Areas of Expertise

SBE’s expertise covers a broad range within the fields of business and economics with several strength areas across different academic disciplines. These include the following:

  • Digital innovation, including service and social robots, data analytics and digitalisation
  • Education and labour market research
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Economics, including macro, micro, behavioural and quantitative
  • Governance and public policy
  • Leadership and service management
  • Sustainability, including sustainable development, circular economics, sustainable finance, responsible business

Bringing Academia Closer to Society through our Institutes

MA programme Information Management & Business Intelligence - Your Future

Structured around academic disciplines and bound by the common goals of sharing knowledge and inspiring students, our institutes are at the gravitational centre of SBE's work in promoting excellence and quality.

News

UnveilML: Combining Econometrics and Machine Learning to improve the estimation of factors we cannot see

UnveilML combines econometrics and machine learning to better estimate hidden factors such as financial risk, the business cycle, and global warming. By adding long memory, interpretability, and reliable uncertainty estimates, it aims to deliver more trustworthy insights for high-stakes decisions.
Tobias Hartl

A Lifetime of learning: Wim Gijselaers reflects on four decades at SBE

Professor Wim Gijselaers reflects on 40+ years at Maastricht University's School of Business and Economics, highlighting its rise to international recognition through innovation, problem-based learning and collaboration. As he retires, he celebrates people, lifelong learning and lasting impact.
Afscheid Wim Gijselaers_foto 1

Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wilms awarded €800,000 NWO grant to pioneer Econometric Intelligence

  • UM news
SBE researchers Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wilms have received an €800,000 NWO grant to develop Econometric Intelligence, a new methodology that combines econometrics and AI to analyse complex data and support better decision-making.
Stephan Smeekes and Ines Wims (QE).png

Interdisciplinary team receives funding for DAZM Project

  • Researchers
Pilots will evaluate an open-source collaboration platform based on LaSuite, a unified collaboration platform built for public employees, as a potential alternative to existing digital workplace solutions.
dazm project new

SBE Student Larissa Lintner receives prestigious McCall MacBain Regional Award

  • Students
  • Students going the extra mile
School of Business Economics student Larissa Lintner (BSc'25, MSc'26) has been awarded a McCall MacBain Regional Award to pursue her next degree in Canada. This scholarship recognises students who have demonstrated exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial sp
Larissa Lintner