On Friday 15 November 2024, Prof. dr. Maarten de Groot delivered his Inaugural Lecture in celebration of his appointment as the Endowed Professor of Resilient Family Business and Enterprise Families at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
This appointment, which took effect on May 17, 2024, is a significant achievement for Maarten de Groot, who earned his PhD from the same esteemed institution three years prior.
At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam School of Business and Economics, Maarten is the Director of the VU Center for Enterprise Family Research (CEFR), and Program Director of the Responsible Ownership for Enterprise Families (ROEF) program. As a part-time professor, he focuses on enterprise families and the shared responsible ownership of family businesses by rising generations, while continuing to work the rest of the time as a board member and advisor to transgenerational enterprise families.
This lecture marks a new chapter in his distinguished career, dedicated to advancing research and education in family business resilience and enterprise family dynamics within the Department of Management and Organization at the School of Business and Economics. The Chair aims to prepare the rising generations of enterprise families and advance our understanding of how family enterprises can continue to prosper and continue to make a positive contribution to society. The Chair has been made possible by a generous and unrestricted donation of Wealth Management Partners NV.
The subject of his inaugural lecture was Family Firms and Enterprise Families that hold a unique place in society, contributing hugely to economic growth, employment and social cohesion. De Groot emphasizes: “Their long-term vision, strong values and culture give them a competitive edge that non-family firms often can't replicate”. They nurture entrepreneurship and are better at absorbing shocks, leading to fewer societal costs. The dual focus on financial and social goals explains why family firms often outperform non-family enterprises.
“However, family businesses also face challenges like internal conflicts and balancing tradition with innovation. To thrive in today’s rapidly changing world, enterprise families must cultivate resilience. This ability to adapt helps them survive through generations and makes them stronger for future growth”, De Groot explains.
His research on family businesses, enterprise families, family social capital, family identity, preservation and impact consider the role of the family office and the complexities of non-financial considerations of enterprise families. In his research and advisory work, De Groot works with enterprise families globally on strategy, governance, philanthropy, and developing next-generation responsible shared owners.
VU Center for Enterprise Family Research
Maarten de Groot is Director of the VU Center for Enterprise Family Research (CEFR). CEFR studies enterprises at the family level and aims to be a platform of expertise on how to best prepare the rising generation (siblings or cousins who inherit family assets) to be responsible enterprise owners and figure out for themselves which role they want to play in the oversight and management of the enterprise family. As a research platform, it offers opportunities for research and executive collaboration between scholars and practitioners.
Responsible Ownership for Enterprise Families (ROEF)
Furthermore, Maarten is Program Director of ROEF Academy empowering rising generation family members to become successful, impactful, and inspiring members of their enterprise families and aims to elevate the field of enterprise family education. This innovative program is a collaboration between Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Family Office Exchange (FOX).
Innovation, Impact and Recognition
Throughout his career, De Groot has consistently been recognized as a leader in his field, for his impactful contributions and his innovative thinking, earning prestigious prizes and awards. These honors reflect not just his deep knowledge and experience but also his commitment to driving meaningful change in our society.
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