JKU Researcher Presented with a Venia Legendi/Habilitation Certificate

Vice-Rector Stefan Koch presented Christine Blanka with her venia legendi/habilitation certificate.

F.l.: Christine Blanka, Stefan Koch
F.l.: Christine Blanka, Stefan Koch

Those pursuing a habilitation/post-doc undergo an academic evaluation in regard to special qualifications that proves their ability to independently conduct academic/scientific research and teach the entire depth and breadth of their selected subject area [facultas docendi], This, in turn, is the prerequisite to grant authorization to teach that particular subject area [venia legendi].

Christine Blanka taught at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and also served as deputy department head. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship at established companies. Her habilitation/post-doc dissertation titled "Entrepreneurial Initiatives for Strategic Renewal Within Established Enterprises" focuses on the role of intrapreneurship and the importance of collaborative efforts between entrepreneurial-minded employees and the companies themselves. Her research highlights the role of middle management in promoting intrapreneurship and complementing internal activities with external initiatives, such as partnerships. Employees' formative innovative power combined with external incentives will ultimately lead to strategic renewal and enhanced competitiveness.

About Christine Blanka
After earning her Diploma degree in Business, Christine Blanka began working at the JKU since 2011, first as a research project assistant, and then later as a university assistant/assistant professor. She earned her doctorate in business administration in 2014 and wrote her dissertation about the influence networks have regarding entrepreneurial intention. Her research focuses on the role of intrapreneurship and the pertinence of entrepreneurial behavior in support of business strategies and processes. Additional research interests include entrepreneurship at the crossroads of digital transformation, network theory, and innovation. Blanka has many years of teaching experience and in 2021, she was presented with the "Kepler Award for Excellent Teaching". On account of her strong networking activities with start-ups, as well as her involvement in extra-curricular entrepreneurship initiatives, Blanka has, for example, acquired additional hands-on experience and has played a key role in shaping the JKU's entrepreneurial activities.