Draft:Rolf Sternberg

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Rolf Sternberg (*1959) is a German professor of economic geography at Leibniz University Hannover.

Prof. Sternberg (center) with selected members of the GEM country team Germany at Leibniz University Hannover, taken in 2019; from left to right: Prof. Christian Hundt (team member 2006–2010, co-team leader since 2024), Dr. Johannes von Bloh (2016–2019), Dr. Lennard Stolz (2019–2023), and Dr. Arne Vorderwülbecke (2010–2015)

Life

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Rolf Sternberg studied geography at Leibniz University Hannover (1979–1984). In 1987, he earned his doctorate as a research associate at the then Department of Geography with a dissertation on Business Incubators as an Instrument of Local Economic Development in the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1994, he completed his habilitation, supported by a habilitation fellowship from the German Research Foundation (DFG), at Leibniz University Hannover with the thesis On the Impact of National and Regional Technology Policy on the Emergence of High-Tech Regions – Illustrated with Examples from the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.[1]

His research focuses on regional entrepreneurship studies, innovation-driven regional development, the spatial implications of digitalization, of the COVID-19 pandemic, and of creative industries.

Since the inception of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)[2] in 1998, Sternberg led the German country team of this worldwide research consortium on entrepreneurial activities and attitudes. In spring 2024, he stepped down as head of the German country team, passing the leadership to Prof. Christian Hundt (Thünen Institute for Innovation and Value Creation in Rural Areas[3]), Leibniz University Hannover,[4] and Dr. Florian Täube (RKW in Eschborn). Since 2024, Sternberg has remained a regular member of the German country team of GEM.[5]

In 1996, Sternberg initiated ZitArt, the publication and citation ranking for German-speaking economic geography, which was published in its sixth edition in 2020.[6] From 2000 to 2003, he served as chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Association of Geographers at German Universities (VGDH).

He is a member of the Scientific Board of the academic journals Review of Regional Research, ZFW – Advances in Economic Geography,[7] and Annals of the Japan Association of Economic Geographers.[8] Additionally, he is co-editor of the book series FGF Entrepreneurship-Research Monographs[9] and Economic Geography[1].

Research Projects (Selection, as of 01/2025)

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For a complete list of all research projects, see: Research projects on the institute's website.[10]

  • ReDiCOV – Regional differences of the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak: Remote work and the role of digitalization (2021–2026, DFG)
  • DUI.REG – Measuring the Doing-Using-Interacting mode of SMEs in structurally weak regions (2022–2025, BMBF)
  • Entrepreneurship in rural areas: Scope, determinants, and regional economic effects (EntreLR) (2021–2024, BMEL)
  • Business Plan Competitions: Effects on award winners and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Lower Saxony (2019–2022, MWK)
  • InDUI – Innovation indicators for the Doing-Using-Interacting mode of SMEs (2017–2021, BMBF)
  • Regional Entrepreneurship Systems – An exploratory analysis of the Hannover region (2016–2019, MWK)
  • DiasporaLink – Evaluation and facilitation of transnational diaspora entrepreneurship (TDE) as a driver of development and wealth creation in countries of origin and residence (2015–2019, EU: RISE[11])
  • Wind Energy Technology in Lower Saxony – A comparative approach to explaining path creation and path dependency in renewable energy (2013–2016, MWK)
  • Creative Lower Saxony – Regional distribution, spatial mobility, entrepreneurial potential, and economic relevance of creative professionals (KNie) (2011–2015, MWK)
  • Regional Biotechnology – Establishing a methodology and performance indicators for assessing bioclusters and bioregions relevant to the Knowledge-Based Bioeconomy (KBBE) area (2009–2011, EU: DG Research[12])
  • Regional Cluster Policy in Germany and the USA – An economic geography comparison from an institutional and political-economic perspective (2007–2009, DFG)
  • Sectoral-spatial clusters and the "New Economic Geography" – An empirical test of key hypotheses for Germany (2004–2007, DFG)
  • A qualitative-empirical qnalysis of spin-off firms in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Wuhan – A contribution to explain innovation processes in China (2003–2006, VW Foundation)
  • Regional Entrepreneurship Monitor (REM II) – The dynamics of entrepreneurial activities in Germany: Scope and causes (2003–2006, DFG)
  • The contribution of return migrants to innovation – An empirical analysis using the example of Shanghai (2003–2006, VW Foundation)

Publications (Selection, as of 01/2025)

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For a complete list of all publications, see: Publication list on the institute's website.[13]

Books (Selection)

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  • Sternberg, R.; Elo, M.; Levie, J.; Amorós, J.E. (Eds.) (2023): Research Handbook on Transnational Diaspora Entrepreneurship. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
  • Sternberg, R.; Krauss, G. (Eds.) (2014): Handbook of Research on Entrepreneurship and Creativity. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
  • Sternberg, R. (2009): Regional Dimensions of Entrepreneurship. Boston, Delft: Now Publishers (= Foundations and Trends in Entrepreneurship, Vol. 5, Issue 4). ISBN: 978-1-60198-222-3
  • Sternberg, R. (Ed.) (2006): Deutsche Gründungsregionen. Berlin: Lit Verlag, (= Wirtschaftsgeographie, 38).
  • Sternberg, R. (Ed.) (2003): Endogene Regionalentwicklung durch Unternehmensgründungen? Empirische Befunde aus Nordrhein-Westfalen. Hannover: Akademie für Raumforschung und Landesplanung (ARL) (= ARL Arbeitsmaterialien, 299).
  • Sternberg, R. (1998): Technologiepolitik und High-Tech Regionen – Ein internationaler Vergleich. Münster, Hamburg 1995: Lit (2nd revised edition, 1998). (= Wirtschaftsgeographie, 7).
  • Sternberg, R.; Behrendt, H.; Seeger, H.; Tamásy, C. (1997): Bilanz eines Booms – Wirkungskontrolle von Technologie- und Gründerzentren in Deutschland. Dortmund: Dortmunder Vertrieb für Bau- und Planungsliteratur (2. unveränderte Auflage).
  • Sternberg, R. (1988): Technologie- und Gründerzentren als Instrument kommunaler Wirtschaftsförderung.. Dortmund: Dortmund Publishing for Construction and Planning Literature.

Articles in Academic Journals (Selection)

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  • Knuepling, L.; Sternberg, R; Otto, A. (2025): Rural areas as winners of COVID-19, digitalization and remote working? Empirical evidence from recent internal migration in Germany. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society 18(1), 227–248. DOI: 10.1093/cjres/rsae033.[14]
  • Bergholz, C.; Füner, L.; Lubczyk, M.; Sternberg, R.; Bersch, J. (2024): Infrastructure required, skill needed: Digital entrepreneurship in rural and urban areas. Journal of Business Venturing Insights 22, e004288. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbvi.2024.e00488.[15]
  • Bergmann, H.; Hundt, C.; Obschonka, M.; Sternberg, R. (2024): What drives solo and team startups at European universities? The interactive role of entrepreneurial climate, gender, and entrepreneurship course participation. Studies in Higher Education 49(7), 1269-1289. DOI: 10.1080/03075079.2023.2263477.[16]
  • Bennat, T.; Sternberg, R. (2022): CEO Characteristics and the Doing-Using-Interacting Mode of Innovation: A New Upper Echelons Perspective. Industry and Innovation 29(10), 1202-1230. DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2022.2090319.[17]
  • Sternberg, R. (2022): Entrepreneurship and Geography. Annals of Regional Science 69, 559-584. DOI: 10.1007/s00168-021-01091-w.[18]
  • Alhusen, H.; Bennat, T.; Bizer, K.; Cantner, U.; Kalthaus, M.; Proeger, T.; Sternberg, R.; Töpfer, S. (2021): A New Measurement Conception for the 'Doing-Using-Interacting' Mode of Innovation. Research Policy 50(4), 104214. DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2021.104214.[19]
  • Haefner, L.; Sternberg, R. (2020): Spatial Implications of Digitization: State of the Field and Research Agenda. Geography Compass 14(12), e12544. DOI: 10.1111/gec3.12544.[20]
  • von Bloh, J.; Broekel, T.; Özgun, B.; Sternberg, R. (2020): New(s) Data for Entrepreneurship Research? An Innovative Approach to Use Big Data on Media Coverage. Small Business Economics 55(3), 673-694. DOI: 10.1007/s11187-019-00209-x.[21]
  • von Bloh, J.; Mandakovic, V.; Apablaza, M.; Amorós, J.E.; Sternberg, R. (2020): Transnational entrepreneurs: Opportunity or necessity driven? Empirical evidence from two dynamic economies from Latin America and Europe. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 46(10), 2008-2026. DOI: 10.1080/1369183X.2018.1559996.[22]
  • Bennat, T.; Sternberg, R. (2020): Knowledge bases in German regions: What hinders combinatorial knowledge dynamics and how regional innovation policies may help. European Planning Studies 28(2), 319-339. DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2019.1656168.[23]
  • Sternberg, R.; von Bloh, J.; Coduras, A. (2019): A new framework to measure entrepreneurial ecosystems at the regional level. Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftsgeographie (= The German Journal of Economic Geography) 63(2-4), 103-117. DOI: 10.1515/zfw-2018-0014.[24]
  • Bennat, T.; Broekel, T.; Sternberg, R. (2019): Measuring the utilization of regional potentials in the expansion of renewable energies: An empirical analysis of German districts. Raumforschung und Raumordnung Spatial Research and Planning 77(6): 617–638. DOI: 10.2478/rara-2019-0043.[25]
  • Vossen, D.; Sternberg, R.; Alfken, C. (2019): Internal migration of the 'creative class' in Germany. Regional Studies 53(10), 1359-1370. DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2019.1566699.[26]
  • Wyrwich, M.; Sternberg, R.; Stuetzer, M. (2019): Failing role models and the formation of fear of entrepreneurial failure: A study of regional peer effects in German regions. Journal of Economic Geography 19(3), 567-588. DOI: 10.1093/jeg/lby023.[27]
  • Hesse, N.; Sternberg, R. (2017): Alternative growth patterns of university spin-offs: Why do so many remain small?. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal 13(3), 953-984. DOI: 10.1007/s11365-016-0431-6.[28]
  • Alfken, C.; Voßen, D.; Sternberg, R. (2017): How much Florida is in Lower Saxony? Empirical evidence on the "Creative Class" in a German federal state. Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftsgeographie 61(1), 1-22. DOI: 10.1515/zfw-2016-0032.[29]
  • Sternberg, R. (2017): Creativity support policies as a means of development policy for the Global South? A critical appraisal of the UNESCO Creative Economy Report 2013. Regional Studies 51(2), 336-345. DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2016.1174844.[30]
  • Hundt, C.; Sternberg, R. (2016): Explaining new firm creation in Europe from a spatial and time perspective: A multilevel analysis based on data from individuals, regions, and countries. Papers in Regional Science 95(2), 223-258. DOI: 10.1111/pirs.12133.[31]
  • Bergmann, H.; Hundt, C.; Sternberg, R. (2016): What makes student entrepreneurs? On the relevance (and irrelevance) of the university and the regional context for student startups. Small Business Economics 47(1), 53-76. DOI: 10.1007/s11187-016-9700-6.[32]
  • Wyrwich, M.; Stützer, M.; Sternberg, R. (2016): Entrepreneurial role models, fear of failure, and institutional approval of entrepreneurship: A tale of two regions. Small Business Economics 46(3), 467-492. DOI: 10.1007/s11187-015-9695-4.[33]
  • Alfken, C.; Brökel, T.; Sternberg, R. (2015): Factors explaining the spatial agglomeration of the Creative Class – Empirical evidence for German artists. European Planning Studies 23(12), 2438-2483. DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2014.979767.[34]
  • Hundt, C.; Sternberg, R. (2014): How did the economic crisis influence new firm creation?. Journal of Economics and Statistics (= Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik) 234(6), 722-756.
  • Simmie, J.; Sternberg, R.; Carpenter, J. (2014): New technological path creation: Evidence from the British and German wind energy industries. Journal of Evolutionary Economics 24(4), 875-904.
  • Bosma, N.; Sternberg, R. (2014): Entrepreneurship as an urban event? Empirical evidence from European cities. Regional Studies 48(6), 1016-1033. DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2014.904041.[35]
  • Stützer, M.; Obschonka, M.; Brixy, U.; Sternberg, R.; Cantner, U. (2014): Regional characteristics, opportunity perception, and entrepreneurial activities. Small Business Economics 42(2), 221-244. DOI: 10.1007/s11187-013-9488-6.[36]
  • Sternberg, R. (2014): Success factors of university spin-offs: Regional government support programs versus regional environment. Technovation 34, 137-148. DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2013.11.003.[37]
  • Litzenberger, T.; Sternberg, R. (2006): The Cluster Index: A methodology for identifying regional clusters using the example of German industrial sectors. Geographische Zeitschrift 94(4), 209-224.
  • Sternberg, R.; Litzenberger, T. (2005): The publication and citation output of German faculties of economics and social sciences – A comparison of faculties and disciplines based on SSCI data. Scientometrics 65(1), 29-53.
  • Rocha, H.; Sternberg, R. (2005): Entrepreneurship: The role of clusters. Theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence from Germany. Small Business Economics 24(3), 267-292.
  • Sternberg, R.; Wennekers, S. (2005): Determinants and effects of new business creation using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data. Small Business Economics 24(3), 193-203.
  • Sternberg, R.; Litzenberger, T. (2004): Regional clusters in Germany – Their geography and their relevance for entrepreneurial activities. European Planning Studies 12(6), 767–791.
  • Wagner, J.; Sternberg, R. (2004): Start-up activities, individual characteristics, and the regional milieu: Lessons for entrepreneurship support policies from German micro data. The Annals of Regional Science 38, 219-240.
  • Sternberg, R. (2004): Technology Centres in Germany: Economic justification, effectiveness, and impact on high-tech regions. International Journal of Technology Management 28(3/4/5/6), 444–469.
  • Sternberg, R.; Krymalowski, M. (2002): Internet domains and the innovativeness of cities/regions – Evidence from Germany and Munich. European Planning Studies 10(2), 251-274.
  • Sternberg, R.; Arndt, O. (2001): The firm or the region: What determines the innovation of European firms?. Economic Geography 77(4), 364-382.
  • Sternberg, R. (1996): Technology policies and the growth of regions: Evidence from four countries. Small Business Economics 8(2), 75-86.
  • Sternberg, R. (1996): Government R&D expenditure and space: Empirical evidence from five advanced industrial economies. Research Policy 25, 741-758.
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References

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  1. ^ a b "Wirtschaftsgeographie".
  2. ^ "GEM Global Entrepreneurship Monitor". GEM Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
  3. ^ https://www.thuenen.de/de/fachinstitute/laendliche-raeume/innovation-und-wertschoepfung-in-laendlichen-raeumen Thünen Institute
  4. ^ "Personen – Institut für Wirtschafts- und Kulturgeographie". Leibniz Universität Hannover.
  5. ^ "Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) - Länderbericht Deutschland – Institut für Wirtschafts- und Kulturgeographie". Leibniz Universität Hannover.
  6. ^ "ZitArt – Institut für Wirtschafts- und Kulturgeographie". Leibniz Universität Hannover.
  7. ^ "ZFW – Advances in Economic Geography". De Gruyter Brill.
  8. ^ "Annals of the Association of Economic Geographers". www.jstage.jst.go.jp.
  9. ^ "FGF Entrepreneurship Research Monographs (Eul Verlag)".
  10. ^ "Forschungsprojekte – Institut für Wirtschafts- und Kulturgeographie".
  11. ^ "Research, innovation and science policy experts group (RISE)". 25 October 2019.
  12. ^ "Research and Innovation - European Commission".
  13. ^ "Publikationsliste – Institut für Wirtschafts- und Kulturgeographie".
  14. ^ Knuepling, Louis; Sternberg, Rolf; Otto, Anne (2025). "Rural areas as winners of COVID-19, digitalization and remote working? Empirical evidence from recent internal migration in Germany". Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society. 18: 227–248. doi:10.1093/cjres/rsae033.
  15. ^ Bergholz, Christian; Füner, Lena; Lubczyk, Moritz; Sternberg, Rolf; Bersch, Johannes (2024). "Infrastructure required, skill needed: Digital entrepreneurship in rural and urban areas". Journal of Business Venturing Insights. 22 e00488. doi:10.1016/j.jbvi.2024.e00488.
  16. ^ Bergmann, Heiko; Hundt, Christian; Obschonka, Martin; Sternberg, Rolf (2024). "What drives solo and team startups at European universities? The interactive role of entrepreneurial climate, gender, and entrepreneurship course participation". Studies in Higher Education. 49 (7): 1269–1289. doi:10.1080/03075079.2023.2263477.
  17. ^ Bennat, Tatjana; Sternberg, Rolf (2022). "CEO characteristics and the Doing-Using-Interacting mode of innovation: A new upper echelons perspective". Industry and Innovation. 29 (10): 1202–1230. doi:10.1080/13662716.2022.2090319.
  18. ^ Sternberg, Rolf (2022). "Entrepreneurship and geography—some thoughts about a complex relationship". The Annals of Regional Science. 69 (3): 559–584. Bibcode:2022ARegS..69..559S. doi:10.1007/s00168-021-01091-w. PMC 8639848. PMID 34876777.
  19. ^ Alhusen, Harm; Bennat, Tatjana; Bizer, Kilian; Cantner, Uwe; Horstmann, Elaine; Kalthaus, Martin; Proeger, Till; Sternberg, Rolf; Töpfer, Stefan (2021). "A New Measurement Conception for the 'Doing-Using-Interacting' Mode of Innovation". Research Policy. 50 (4) 104214. doi:10.1016/j.respol.2021.104214.
  20. ^ Haefner, Lukas; Sternberg, Rolf (2020). "Spatial implications of digitization: State of the field and research agenda". Geography Compass. 14 (12) e12544. Bibcode:2020GComp..14E2544H. doi:10.1111/gec3.12544.
  21. ^ von Bloh, Johannes; Broekel, Tom; Özgun, Burcu; Sternberg, Rolf (2020). "New(s) data for entrepreneurship research? An innovative approach to use Big Data on media coverage". Small Business Economics. 55 (3): 673–694. doi:10.1007/s11187-019-00209-x.
  22. ^ von Bloh, Johannes; Mandakovic, Vesna; Apablaza, Mauricio; Amorós, José Ernesto; Sternberg, Rolf (2020). "Transnational entrepreneurs: Opportunity or necessity driven? Empirical evidence from two dynamic economies from Latin America and Europe". Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. 46 (10): 2008–2026. doi:10.1080/1369183X.2018.1559996.
  23. ^ Bennat, Tatjana; Sternberg, Rolf (2020). "Knowledge bases in German regions: What hinders combinatorial knowledge dynamics and how regional innovation policies may help". European Planning Studies. 28 (2): 319–339. Bibcode:2020EurPS..28..319B. doi:10.1080/09654313.2019.1656168.
  24. ^ Sternberg, Rolf; Bloh, Johannes von; Coduras, Alicia (2019). "A new framework to measure entrepreneurial ecosystems at the regional level". Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftsgeographie. 63 (2–4): 103–117. doi:10.1515/zfw-2018-0014.
  25. ^ Bennat, Tatjana; Broekel, Tom; Sternberg, Rolf (2019). "How to measure the usage of regional potentials of renewable energies. An empirical analysis of German counties". Raumforschung und Raumordnung | Spatial Research and Planning. 77 (6): 617–638. Bibcode:2019SpRP...77..617B. doi:10.2478/rara-2019-0043.
  26. ^ Vossen, Daniel; Sternberg, Rolf; Alfken, Christoph (2019). "Internal migration of the 'creative class' in Germany". Regional Studies. 53 (10): 1359–1370. Bibcode:2019RegSt..53.1359V. doi:10.1080/00343404.2019.1566699.
  27. ^ Wyrwich, Michael; Sternberg, Rolf; Stuetzer, Michael (2019). "Failing role models and the formation of fear of entrepreneurial failure: A study of regional peer effects in German regions". Journal of Economic Geography. pp. 567–588. doi:10.1093/jeg/lby023.
  28. ^ Hesse, Nora; Sternberg, Rolf (2017). "Alternative growth patterns of university spin-offs: Why so many remain small?". International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal. 13 (3): 953–984. doi:10.1007/s11365-016-0431-6.
  29. ^ Alfken, Christoph; Vossen, Daniel; Sternberg, Rolf (2017). "Wieviel Florida steckt in Niedersachsen? Zur empirischen Evidenz der "Kreativen Klasse" in einem deutschen Flächenland". Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftsgeographie. 61: 1–22. doi:10.1515/zfw-2016-0032.
  30. ^ Sternberg, Rolf (2017). "Creativity support policies as a means of development policy for the global South? A critical appraisal of the UNESCO Creative Economy Report 2013". Regional Studies. 51 (2): 336–345. Bibcode:2017RegSt..51..336S. doi:10.1080/00343404.2016.1174844.
  31. ^ Hundt, Christian; Sternberg, Rolf (2016). "Explaining new firm creation in Europe from a spatial and time perspective: A multilevel analysis based upon data of individuals, regions and countries". Papers in Regional Science. 95 (2): 223–258. Bibcode:2016PRegS..95..223H. doi:10.1111/pirs.12133.
  32. ^ Bergmann, Heiko; Hundt, Christian; Sternberg, Rolf (2016). "What makes student entrepreneurs? On the relevance (And irrelevance) of the university and the regional context for student start-ups". Small Business Economics. 47: 53–76. doi:10.1007/s11187-016-9700-6.
  33. ^ Wyrwich, Michael; Stuetzer, Michael; Sternberg, Rolf (2016). "Entrepreneurial role models, fear of failure, and institutional approval of entrepreneurship: A tale of two regions". Small Business Economics. 46 (3): 467–492. doi:10.1007/s11187-015-9695-4.
  34. ^ Alfken, Christoph; Broekel, Tom; Sternberg, Rolf (2015). "Factors Explaining the Spatial Agglomeration of the Creative Class: Empirical Evidence for German Artists". European Planning Studies. 23 (12): 2438–2463. Bibcode:2015EurPS..23.2438A. doi:10.1080/09654313.2014.979767.
  35. ^ Bosma, Niels; Sternberg, Rolf (2014). "Entrepreneurship as an Urban Event? Empirical Evidence from European Cities". Regional Studies. 48 (6): 1016–1033. Bibcode:2014RegSt..48.1016B. doi:10.1080/00343404.2014.904041.
  36. ^ Stuetzer, Michael; Obschonka, Martin; Brixy, Udo; Sternberg, Rolf; Cantner, Uwe (2014). "Regional characteristics, opportunity perception and entrepreneurial activities". Small Business Economics. 42 (2): 221–244. doi:10.1007/s11187-013-9488-6.
  37. ^ Sternberg, Rolf (2014). "Success factors of university-spin-offs: Regional government support programs versus regional environment". Technovation. 34 (3): 137–148. doi:10.1016/j.technovation.2013.11.003.