Patrick Gruhn Research Institute of Entrepreneurial Innovation and Social Philosophy
The Patrick Gruhn Research Institute of Entrepreneurial Innovation and Social Philosophy (PGRI) advances interdisciplinary research at the intersection of entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and social philosophy. Founded and sponsored by Prof. Patrick Gruhn, the Institute provides an academic platform for doctoral research that examines the ethical, philosophical, and practical aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving world.
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Rams and Matthias Grenda, the Institute fosters a collaborative research environment that unites business, technology, and social philosophy. Its central goal is to promote scholarship that bridges theoretical and practical perspectives in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, and Social Philosophy.
Purpose
The purpose of the Patrick Gruhn Research Institute of Entrepreneurial Innovation and Social Philosophy is to promote collaborative research in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, FinTech, artificial intelligence, and social philosophy. Its activities include research, teaching, publications, and policy advisory, with a particular focus on supporting PhD and/or MBA candidates through scholarship programs.
Research Areas
The Patrick Gruhn Research Institute supports students addressing topics such as:
- Entrepreneurial Innovation: Studies exploring new venture creation, business model innovation, and the dynamics of creative ecosystems.
- Hybrid AI-Aided Financial and Digital Assets Markets Microstructure Analysis: Studies of conditioned market predictability using per-account DMA streams, cross-asset context, and crowd signals. Combining evolutionary strategy pools with calibrated, lag-aware models to evaluate performance, risk, and consumer protection in financial and digital assets markets.
- FinTech and Digital Economies: Research on financial technologies, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and the socio-economic effects of digital transformation.
- Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: Investigations into responsible AI use, ethical frameworks, and decision-making in algorithmic contexts.
- Social Philosophy and Technology: Theoretical inquiries into how technological change influences social values, identity, and equity.
Each project aims to integrate empirical rigor with philosophical reflection, emphasizing innovation that advances human development.
Scholarships
The Institute awards merit-based scholarships to PhD and MBA students enrolled at EIM whose dissertation topics align with the Institute’s mission. These scholarships may cover up to 50% of total tuition fees.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be accepted or currently enrolled in a PhD or MBA program at EIM.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and a record of research potential.
- Propose a dissertation topic relevant to the purpose of the institute, such as entrepreneurship, innovation, FinTech, AI, or social philosophy.
- Commit to publishing at least one paper under the Institute’s affiliation during their doctoral studies.
Scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, research relevance, and potential impact.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply through the following form.
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Research Purpose (max. 1,000 words)
- EIM admission confirmation or enrollment letter
Application Form:
The Institute’s directors review applications. Successful applicants will receive notification via email.
