Wolfgang Gerstlberger, a professor at Tallinn University of Technology's School of Business and Governance for seven years, whose research focuses on the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises, admits that, even after 30 years, he is fascinated by the fact that personal, scientific and professional development is an ongoing process.
Where are you from, and how long have you been active in science?
I am from Germany and have been active approximately 30 years in science so far.
How did you get into science, and what fascinates you about it?
After the pre-degree exam in my Master’s studies of Social Sciences at Kassel University (Germany) I started to work as a student assistant in a research group for public sector management at Kassel University. The head of this research group asked me after the completion of my Master’s degree with a very good grade if I wanted to stay at the research group as research assistant and PhD student in a project that was financed by the national German Research Foundation. After receiving my PhD degree (Dr. rer. pol.) I had the chance to continue as an Assistant Professor at the same university.
Although being now already around 30 years in science, what still fascinates me is that personal, scientific and professional learning continues permanently.
What is the main research problem you are currently working on, and why is it important?
The main research problem I am currently working on is the attempt to contribute to the identification and conceptual development of suitable sustainability transformation strategies for private businesses in general, and in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises. Solving this specific research problem is important as part of the global, but also European and Estonian campaign regarding global challenges like climate change, insecure energy supply and increasing economic as well as social inequality.
Which discoveries in your field have had the greatest societal impact so far?
The following discoveries in my field have had the greatest societal impact so far in my opinion: Scientific evidence for Human-Caused Climate Change; Identification of economically viable Renewable Energy Technologies; Development of production technologies for Artificial Meat.
Based on your field of research, what do you consider the most important issue in Estonia or in the world today
The currently most important worldwide as well as Estonian issue is in my consideration and based on my field of research keeping long-term global average surface temperature as low as possible, based on ambitious climate goals and specific climate actions.
Which research result are you particularly proud of?
This is hard to say, but overall I am still particularly proud of the main result of my PhD thesis that demonstrated the generally limited and sometimes even negative outcomes of different Public-Private Partnership models in various fields like public finances, business development, urban planning and service quality for the end customer/user.
What would you still like to achieve in your research?
I still would like to achieve the conceptual development of a comprehensive and economically as well as environmentally and socially sustainable business model, especially for smaller companies in my research.
The article was published on Delfi Forte