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The Witener Institut für Familienunternehmen (WIFU) is a leading research institute in the field of family businesses and entrepreneurial families. It was founded in 1998 at the Universität Witten/Herdecke and is known for its transdisciplinary research and practical teaching. The WIFU combines business administration, psychology, sociology and law to comprehensively understand family businesses and entrepreneurial families.
The WIFU aims to promote the sustainability of family businesses and act as a source of inspiration. It creates a protected space for exchange between family entrepreneurs and scientists. The mission of the WIFU is to research and understand the special characteristics of family businesses in order to develop practical solutions for their challenges.
The WIFU is committed to promoting the longevity and sustainability of family businesses. A central aspect is the cross-generational strategy development. Knowledge is disseminated to a broad audience through digital platforms and publications. The WIFU-Stiftung supports these goals by financing research projects, professorships and events.
The WIFU-Stiftung is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009. It supports the activities of the WIFU and promotes research, teaching and the transfer of knowledge in the field of family entrepreneurship. In the first 15 years of its existence, the foundation has invested around 25 million euros in research and teaching. It has an extensive network of around 80 family businesses that support its activities.
Overall, the WIFU makes a significant contribution to the research and promotion of family businesses in a national and international context. Through its comprehensive research and transfer measures, it creates added value for entrepreneurial families and society.
