Poldner, Prof. Kim
Kim Polder is a distinguished professor of Regional and Circular Economic Development at the University of Groningen. In this role, she conducts research on regional development, with a focus on the circular economy. Poldner is an expert in the field of circular economy, sustainable entrepreneurship, and transition processes within businesses. In her research projects, she collaborates with fellow scientists, governments, and innovative entrepreneurs who put sustainability into practice — for example, in circular textile hubs and the construction sector.
A significant part of her research focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship in the textile industry, the topic on which she earned her PhD in Switzerland. Through knowledge sharing, co-creation, and experimentation, Poldner aims to contribute to an ecosystem where entrepreneurs not only reduce harm by working more sustainably but actively add value. As a society, she believes we should better (re)recognize the value of products and production processes — this, according to Poldner, lies at the heart of the circular economy. She sees an important role for education in this transition.