Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, University of Bielefeld

The faculty focuses its teaching and research in the explanation of economic interrelations and predictions about the effects of economic decisions, and the understanding and shaping of economic processes and structures. Complex and interdependent economic relationships can be described with precision in mathematical methods, therefore the faculty emphasized in quantitative approaches to solve phenomenons. Currently, it counts with 17 professors, approximately 2000 students in bachelor´s, master´s and diploma degree and around 15% of foreign students. 

Research profile and current focuses of research

Current research at the faculty comprises of a number of individual research projects and several research focuses. An analytical-quantitative approach characterises the majority of these projects.

Among the established focuses of research is Computational Economics - a field in which the faculty is a top player in the international research landscape thanks to its highly visible profile and its success in raising third-party funding. Robust decision making under uncertainty is another established focus mainly carried by the Centre for Mathematical Economics (IMW). The research on Distribution, inequality and heterogeneity that is oriented to both social theory and economic policy is a Faculty tradition. Both decision-making theory and heterogeneity are at the centre of research in economics in general. Thus Bielefeld's engagement with these issues is certainly not unique.

However, the Faculty has been exceptionally successful and innovative in these areas, which is reflected in its publication output and successful bids for third-party funding (including DFG, EU, ZIF) and makes them important research focuses of the Faculty. All three research areas boast an impressive network with national or international research partners.

The more recently established subject area Economic implications of smart products and smart systems is co-ordinated by the Institute for Technological Innovation, Market Development and Entrepreneurship (iTIME). The research focus is characterised by a high level of interdisciplinarity and collaboration with a variety of regional partners.

Other significant contributors to the research profile and international visibility of the Faculty are the Bielefeld Graduate School of Economics and Management (BiGSEM) and the research-oriented Master's Programme in Quantitative Economics.