Lans Bovenberg Professor of Innovation in Economics Teaching

The F.J.D. Goldschmeding Chair will support the research and development of new teaching materials and methods in economics, especially in secondary education, based on recent developments within the field of economics. One important objective is to further develop economics and present it as a discipline aimed at fruitful cooperation between actors whose rationality as well as morality is limited. To develop a perspective of economics that is both realistic and inspiring, Professor Bovenberg will study recent developments in economics, for instance, behavioral economics, in relation to such other disciplines as philosophy, theology, ethics, psychology, history, and literature. The teaching methods to be developed will be practice-oriented and link up closely with the perceptions of secondary school pupils and young adults. Bovenberg will focus on holistic as well as applied approaches in the teaching of economics in order to prepare generations of young  people for assuming responsibility, for themselves and for others, by making informed choices and maintaining beneficial relationships in direct as well as broader contexts.

In the tradition of Cobbenhagen

In addition to his activities for the F.J.D. Goldschmeding Chair, Lans Bovenberg will continue to contribute to his other research interests, including pensions and the aging population. He will also continue to work in the research network of Netspar. For Tilburg University, the Chair reflects the wish to stimulate interdisciplinary cooperation in Cobbenhagen’s tradition. Professor Martinus Cobbenhagen was the first Professor of the RK Handelshoogeschool, which later became Tilburg University. He connected economics with other disciplines, like ethics and theology, in order to prepare students in a practical way for a full and meaningful life in the service of society.

Goldschmeding

Frits Goldschmeding (1933) studied economics at VU University Amsterdam and is mainly known as the founder and chairman of the board of Randstad Holding. He won many awards for his important contributions to economics and society. For example, in 1985, he was made an Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau. On the occasion of Randstad Group’s 35th anniversary, he was made a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion. For his contribution to socio-economic developments in Belgium, he was made a Commander in the Order of Leopold II in 1999. In 1994, he received an honorary doctorate from Rochester University in acknowledgement of his contribution to the Dutch economy and society by establishing Randstad. He also made an honorary doctor by Nyenrode Business University in 2006 for his contribution to society, the socio-economic environment, and the way in which he connected the academic world with the spirit of entrepreneurship.