Promotie Eric Fath-Kolmes

We are pleased to announce that Eric Fath-Kolmes will defend his PhD thesis, “Playing it Safe – Constructing Dynamic Capabilities to Fit Our Evolving World”, on 18 September 2025 in the Auditorium of Campus Fryslân, Wirdumerdijk 34, 8911 CE, Leeuwarden.

It is posssible to follow the defence online via the livestream.

Programme:

• 13:00 - Walk-in

• 13:30 - Layperson’s talk

• 14:00 - PhD defence

• 15:30 - On-site reception with drinks

We live in a time when climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing social inequality threaten the very systems we depend on. Businesses could be powerful agents of change, but too often they prioritize maximizing profit. The research done by Eric Fath-Kolmes explores how companies can instead build the skills and mindsets needed to succeed while also protecting the planet and society.

At the heart of this study is the idea of dynamic capabilities, meaning the ability of an organization to sense new opportunities, seize them, and reinvent itself to meet new challenges. While dynamic capabilities are often used to sharpen competitive advantage, this research asks: what if they were reimagined to serve the Earth?

By challenging traditional business assumptions like ‘survival of the fittest’ and endless growth, this work shows how companies can innovate within the limits of our planet: the so-called planetary boundaries. Drawing on case studies from sustainability leaders in the construction industry, it reveals what ‘strong sustainability’ looks like in practice, and offers practical guidance for any organization wanting to follow suit.

In short: this thesis is a roadmap for transforming businesses from part of the problem into part of the solution. Creating organizations that adapt, succeed, and help secure a livable future for all. 

Eric Fath-Kolmes

Eric Fath-Kolmes is a Canadian researcher who is currently living in The Netherlands. He obtained his Bachelor's of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta, worked in road construction, and then ran a startup company in software development and live TV production for several years. He moved to The Netherlands in 2016 and did his Master's of Business Administration at Hanze University of Applied Sciences. Afterwards, he ran a startup for 2 years in sustainability consulting, before beginning his PhD in 2020.