In the fall of 2022, we had the ambitious idea to develop a new form of behavioral interventions. By combining our expertise in behavioral science and machine learning, we set out to develop an approach that personalizes behavior interventions based on the motives and behaviors of individual consumers. An integral part of our research agenda is a new research platform on which we can run behavioral experiments around intervention personalization. 

At the same time, we wanted to make the research itself sustainable: (1) promote sustainable development goals, (2) partner with companies and institutions that promote sustainable developments, and (3) promote open science by publishing our data and code generated through our platform. 

After less than twelve months, our project is in full swing! We were awarded a Kickstarter Convergence grant, received a Veni grant, and won an honorable mention at the EMAC–Sheth Foundation Sustainability Research Competition. Most importantly, we have gained the generous support of fantastic sponsors, and we have developed a prototype for our field experiment app. 

We want to celebrate these developments and to bring all project partners and researchers together, at our Empowering a Sustainable Future conference. 

When and Where?

November 9th from 15:00 to 18:00  

Polak building, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Campus Woudenstein 

Perfectly in line with our project, we are delighted that Eric van Heck will inspire us with his thoughts on using algorithms for circular business models. 

Conference Agenda

15:00-15:15: Walk in and Registration 

15:15-15:35 Project presentation – Sebastian Gabel & Antonia Krefeld–Schwalb 

15:35-16:05 Networking session 1: Meet research experts. 

During this half an hour, you can ask in depth questions to our sustainability researchers. Two tables will be formed where you can ask direct questions to both Antonia and Sebastian. Sebastian can give you more information on how machine learning is integrated into the research; Antonia can give you a deep dive on the psychological and behavioral aspects of the project. 

16:05-16:35 Keynote Speech – Eric van Heck: Five Ways to Improve Your Algorithms for Circular Business 

Abstract 

Algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Blockchain (BC) technologies will create new opportunities for sustainable and circular business models. Instead of the ‘take, make, and dispose’ attitude of traditional and linear business, circular business will be able to create social, economic, and ecological value by combining less consumption (refuse, rethink, and reduce) with smart production (re-use, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycling, and recover) of products and services and with partners and customers in a circular and digital business ecosystem. This keynote will discuss and illustrate algorithms for circular business and its five key design challenges.  

Speaker 

Eric van Heck is Professor of Information and Markets at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. His research in the flower sector was awarded with the ERIM Book Award, for the book Making Markets, and the AIS Impact Award and INFORMS ISS Design Award for research to make the flower sector more sustainable. He is author of Technology Meets Flowers. Unlocking the Circular and Digital Economy (Springer Nature, 2021); translated in Dutch as Technologie en Tulpen. Circulaire en digitale innovatie in de bloemensector (Mediawerf, 2002). The Dutch translation is longlisted for the Management Book of 2023.  

Professor Eric van Heck 
Professor of Information Management and Markets 
Rotterdam School of Management 

16:35-17:05 Networking session 2: Meet sustainability heroes. 

Interested sponsors will each be given a few minutes to talk about their company vision, mission, and products, and to discuss the interesting questions and challenges they have encountered during their business ventures. 

17:05-18:00 Closing drinks and snacks 

Questions?

This event promises to be a great opportunity for all existing and potential partners, including you, to come together, forge meaningful connections with business and research partners, and learn more about our project and the progress we made. 

If you have questions, please contact us at sutainability@rsm.nl! 

We are very looking forward to discussing our project and your efforts for a sustainable future with you, and to celebrate what we have accomplished already 🎉 

See you at Erasmus in November! 

Antonia & Sebastian 

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