In his research, Arjen van Klink focuses on new ways for SMEs to formulate and implement their business strategies. As traditional strategic planning is criticised for being too technocratic and SMEs are not so keen on planning, having a sharp vision of the future is becoming increasingly important, taking into consideration fundamental changes in economy, technology and society. Therefore it is of importance to search for new instruments and working methods for strategy formulation and implementation that link better to the characteristics of SMEs and their market dynamics. The focus is on SMEs in the metropolitan region of Rotterdam and The Hague. The economic strategy of the region – laid down in the so-called Roadmap Next Economy – is also a relevant strategic perspective for SMEs in the region. Applied research on new forms of strategy, in close cooperation with students and entrepreneurs, can help SMEs and the region to adapt to the future.

Arjen van Klink graduated and obtained his doctorate at the Erasmus School of Economics. The subject of his dissertation was about the development of seaports into port networks. Between 1999 and 2015 he worked for Rabobank as among other things Advisor of Strategy and Innovation at Rabobank Rotterdam. He gained much experience in analysis and assessment of corporate strategy and coaching innovative start-ups.