Research focus
The Sales and Sustainable Business Institute (SSBI) brings together a wide range of research fields related to sustainable and digital business. Its focus areas are:
Sales and digital transformation
Digital transformation is fundamentally changing sales and opening up new opportunities for companies to make their customer relationships more efficient and personalised. Our research focuses on innovative digital sales strategies, the role of artificial intelligence and data-driven business models, and the impact of new technologies on sales organisations. We examine how companies can make optimal use of digital tools to sustainably improve both their internal processes and the customer experience.
Smart circular economy and sustainable business models
The transformation to a sustainable economy requires innovative business models that enable resource-efficient and circular value chains. Our research focuses on strategies for implementing the circular economy, developing sustainable business models, and using digital technologies to promote resource-efficient economic practices. We analyse how companies successfully integrate circular approaches into their value creation and what challenges and opportunities arise from this transformation.
Digital innovations and AI
Digital innovations and artificial intelligence (AI) offer enormous potential for increasing efficiency and optimising operational processes. Our research examines how companies can profitably use digital technologies and AI to transform business models and open up new market opportunities. In doing so, we consider technological, economic and ethical issues.
Competence development for the twin transformation
The simultaneous digitalisation and sustainability transformation presents companies and employees with new challenges. We are researching which skills are required for this twin transformation and how companies can provide targeted training for their employees in order to successfully shape change. Our focus is on innovative training formats and organisational learning.
Sustainable consumer behaviour
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Our research analyses the factors that influence sustainable purchasing decisions and develops strategies to promote more conscious consumer behaviour. Among other things, we examine the impact of sustainability labels and packaging solutions, digital information systems and incentive mechanisms for sustainable consumption.
Ethical, legal and cultural framework conditions for the use of digital technologies
The use of digital technologies raises numerous ethical, legal and cultural questions. Our research focuses on the framework conditions necessary for the responsible and socially acceptable use of digital innovations. We examine topics such as data protection, algorithmic fairness and intercultural differences in the acceptance of new technologies.
