We asked Philipp to tell us a little about himself and his thesis and the first thing that stood out was that he didn't come from economics or history but from psychology.
"I am curious about the way people, organizations, and societies change. I started this journey at the individual level with a bachelor’s in business psychology, before becoming increasingly invested in the major environmental crises we face and finding the perfect next academic challenges in studying how societies changed over time. This brought me to Lund to pursue a master’s and then a PhD in Economic History", says Philip.
His thesis investigates a key process in such change: innovation. Using the transition to a bioeconomy –– in short, an economy that uses renewable biomass instead of fossil resources for energy and materials –– as a case study, he studied innovations in the Swedish forestry sector over 50 years.
Since approximately 1990, the sector has commercialized innovations which make such a bioeconomy reality: biofuels, bioplastics, new textiles to name a few. This expansion builds on previous practices and knowledge of biomass usage, which focused on the efficient processing of massive amounts of wood as cheaply and efficiently as possible, rather than on ecological principles of forestry. Taking a global perspective, he shows how the material infrastructure of pulp and paper production makes radical changes in forests increasingly unlikely.
"My thesis also shows that many of the widespread beliefs about bioeconomy innovation, such as them being more complex, or requiring more collaboration than other types of innovation, are not supported by the products and processes which reach markets in Sweden. This opens space to rethink innovation policy for the bioeconomy transition" he adds.
What has it been like to be a PhD student at LUSEM — how would you describe your experience here?
"It has been a challenging and rewarding time. LUSEM and Lund University at large have the potential to bring together many curious and passionate people working on very cool and important projects. But we can still do better to realize this potential", Philipp reflects.
What are your plans after the dissertation, and do you have any advice for those just starting their PhD journey?
"For now, I look forward to teaching and then figuring out my next steps. That said: if you look for an ambitious, curious, and friendly colleague on your next research, policy, or industry project let us meet for a coffee!
To those starting their PhD journey, I would like to say: work hard but do not forget to have fun and learn as much as you can" says Philipp in conclusion.