For example, what happens to your identity when you pursue conflicting goals? Daan explores this question by focusing on employees at social enterprises. Social enterprises have two main goals: on the one hand, a social purpose, such as helping people or protecting nature, and on the other, the survival of their organisation, for example by making a profit. His research offers insight into the ways in which employees within such an organisation deal with these contrasting values and ideas, and what effect this has on their identity.
Daan: ‘There are lots of people who do have ideas about topics such as the social economy, democratic values, and identity, but who find it harder to join in the conversation because the language used in academia is different from what they’re used to. Without detracting from the complexity of these topics, I want to make academia a bit more accessible in the coming period. I’m really looking forward to it!’
In addition to his PhD research, Daan is also working on two Horizon projects. In WISESHIFT, he is studying how social enterprises, focused on labour market integration, can accelerate inclusive and sustainable transitions. He is also contributing to the RADAR project, which examines how new forms of policy-making and public administration can strengthen democratic legitimacy.
Congratulations, Daan, on this achievement!