Marjolein Hoogstraaten is an assistant professor within the organizational and technological innovation group, of which she also functions as the associate lead. She has built her expertise around the importance of institutional change in innovation and transition processes, with a specific focus on how institutional change agents contribute to innovation and sustainability.
Empirically, Marjolein has built her expertise in the life sciences domain, with particular experience in medical technology innovations and e-health, global health, public-private partnerships and sustainable food systems. She is passionate about connecting the dots between multiple disciplinary fields and sciences to contribute to tackling grand societal challenges. To do so, she is experienced in designing and organizing transdisciplinary research and collaboration.
Marjolein has published in several internationally renowned journals like Environmental Innovation and Sustainability Transitions and Global Transitions and has ample experience as a speaker at numerous esteemed international conferences such as the International Sustainability Transitions conference (IST), the European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation (EUSpri), the European Academy of Management (EURAM) and the European Group of Organizational Studies (EGOS) among others.
Innovation for planetary health
Marjolein’s research line is centered around the topic of innovation for planetary health, i.e. the interdependence of the health of the planet and human health. Central in the transition towards planetary health are innovation processes on three levels: organizational, technological and socio-institutional. Innovation for planetary health furthermore often focuses on degrowth, deinstitutionalization and delegitimization of current regime practices and technologies. Marjolein’s work focuses on the agency of specific actor (groups) in accelerating these transitions, for instance by acting as institutional entrepreneurs. To achieve the values of a broad mission like planetary health, inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue is crucial.
In relation to this, Marjolein focuses on inclusive and just climate and health transitions. To fully realize the potential of planetary health values and practices, she feels we need everyone on board, irrespective of socio-economic, cultural or racial background. In light of this, she is researching how individuals of lower socio-economic status interact with sustainable innovation(s) and relate to planetary health values, and which role (early) educational and awareness programs can play in this.
Education and professional experience
Marjolein holds a PhD in innovation and transition studies obtained at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University. She has worked closely together with numerous international research institutes as well as governmental agencies such as the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
At the Science, Business and Innovation group at the Vrije Universiteit, she is part of an interdisciplinary team and collaborates with several faculties, including the faculty of science and the faculty of social sciences.
She is furthermore a member of the educational committee (OLC) where she is responsible for evaluating the quality of the Science, Business and Innovation bachelor and master programs in collaboration with teachers and students.
