Friedrichshafen 
Institute for
Family Entrepreneurship | FIF

What? What are the future plans of the next generation in family businesses? What entrepreneurial paths do next-generation family members pursue? How do their activities influence the family business?

How? Qualitative and quantitative research.

Why? The next generation is a defining and distinguishing characteristic of family businesses.

What? Which factors at the business, family, and individual levels influence the innovative capacity of family businesses across generations? How do family businesses navigate complex decision-making situations?

How? Qualitative and quantitative research involving members of the entire business family.

Why? To strengthen the innovative capacity and long-term viability of family businesses.

What? How are family offices established? How are they managed? How does generational succession take place within family offices?

How? Qualitative research, expert interviews, and longitudinal studies.

Why? Family offices are becoming an increasingly important and formally established component of business families' portfolios. The next generation of business families is managing increasingly diversified portfolios that encompass family businesses, family offices, and foundations.

What? How is the "family business" brand perceived by different stakeholders, such as consumers, employees, and suppliers? How does signaling family business status influence stakeholder perceptions in different contexts?

How? Quantitative research, particularly experimental studies.

Why? Signaling family business status offers an opportunity for differentiation in the marketplace.

What? Which governance models exist in family businesses? How do corporate structures and governance mechanisms evolve during generational transitions? How can family businesses identify the governance structures best suited to their specific needs?

How? Qualitative research, expert interviews, and longitudinal studies.

Why? Successful business succession, both in terms of leadership and ownership, is essential for the long-term continuity of family businesses. Transferring a family business successfully from one generation to the next requires appropriate governance structures.

What? How do family relationships, roles, and dynamics influence the family business? How do differing interests, expectations, and identities within business families shape entrepreneurial decisions and collaboration?

How? Qualitative and quantitative research, including longitudinal studies spanning multiple generations.

Why? The close connection between family and business is a defining characteristic of family businesses. Understanding family dynamics helps strengthen collaboration, decision-making capabilities, and long-term viability.

What? How does the history of a family business shape its present development? Which decisions and events have influenced business families across generations? What role do heritage and tradition play in shaping the future?

How? Qualitative research, including analyses of business and family archives.

Why? The past influences how family businesses operate today and shape their future. A deeper understanding of their own history provides orientation, reveals development paths, and helps future generations learn from past experiences.

What? How is artificial intelligence transforming value creation and the role of people in family businesses? How do family businesses approach AI integration, and what role does the next generation play in this process? How does the adoption of AI influence trust in family businesses and their attractiveness as employers?

How? Qualitative and quantitative research, particularly experimental studies.

Why? AI is transforming how businesses create value and the roles people play in this process. A deeper understanding of these changes helps family businesses actively shape this transformation, uphold stakeholder trust, and rethink entrepreneurial responsibility across generations.

What? How do business families engage in philanthropic activities? Which motivations, values, and decision-making processes shape their philanthropic efforts? How can philanthropic engagement be sustained across generations?

How? Qualitative and quantitative research, including case studies involving business families and analyses of philanthropic activities, decision-making processes, and long-term impacts.

Why? For many business families, philanthropy reflects their values and sense of social responsibility. Understanding how philanthropic engagement can remain effective over time, span generations, and align with family identity is essential to ensuring its lasting impact.

What? What role do family businesses play in defence and security? How do long-term ownership structures, entrepreneurial responsibility, and technological innovation influence the resilience and competitiveness of family businesses in security-related markets?

How? Qualitative and quantitative research, including business and industry analyses as well as case studies.

Why? Security and defence capabilities are becoming increasingly important. Through their long-term orientation, technological expertise, and entrepreneurial responsibility, family businesses can play a distinctive role in building resilient and strategically important value chains.