Dr. Rainer Harms

Biography

Rainer Harms is an Associate Professor at the University of Twente, specializing in the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. His research focuses on understanding how technology entrepreneurs leverage innovation to address complex market challenges. Holding a PhD in Business Administration from WWU Münster, he has conducted significant research on Entrepreneurial Orientation and its impact on new venture management, which earned him a dissertation award runner-up. He has also completed a Habilitation in Business Administration at AAU Klagenfurt, where he explored the complexities and dynamics in new venture creation processes. Rainer has gained international experience as a visiting professor at esteemed institutions including WU Vienna, UAB Barcelona, and has collaborated with the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. His current academic endeavors include leading initiatives in Smart Industry Research and the EIT Entrepreneurship Minor, along with numerous teaching efforts across various international universities. He is passionate about guiding students in the fields of technology entrepreneurship and innovation management, having developed curricular contributions such as the “Innovation & Entrepreneurship” module and the “Entrepreneurship for Engineers” MOOC. His current research interests involve capabilities in early internationalization of technology ventures and the role of learning in entrepreneurial development.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses