Professorships in Economics

Donations and grants for professorships in Economics, Business History and Design Management.

The Foundation funds several professorships in the field of economics, one of which is interdisciplinary and also encompasses artistic design practice and scientific theory. The Foundation’s professorships are held at the University of Gothenburg, the Stockholm School of Economics, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (the Torsten and Ragnar Söderberg Professorship in Economics).

Torsten Söderberg's Research Professorship at the School of Business, Economics and Law in Gothenburg

Photo Isac Lundmark/University of Gothenburg School of Business

The professorship was established at the School of Business, Economics and Law in Gothenburg in 2001 to promote research in economics and law. The initial donation of SEK 20 million was made jointly by the Torsten Söderberg Foundation and the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation. In 2016, the Torsten Söderberg Foundation donated an additional 20 million Swedish kronor, at which time the professorship received its current name. The research professorship may be held by full-time professors at the School of Business, Economics and Law in Gothenburg and rotates among the disciplines of economics, law, and business administration. The term normally lasts three years.

University

University of Gothenburg School of Business, Economics and Law

Donation

SEK 40 million

Established

2001

Subject matter

Economics and law

Holder

Alexander Styhre Press release

Period

July 1, 2023–June 30, 2026

Previous holders

Gregor Noll (2020–2023), Mikael Lindahl (2017–2020), Barbara Czarniawska (2014–2016), Claes G. Alvstam (2010–2013), Olov Olson, Ulf Olsson

The Torsten Söderberg and Ragnar Söderberg Chair in Business History

Photo Caspar Almqvist.

Endowment to develop knowledge of business and its role in economic, industrial and societal transformation. The professorship is not limited in time.

University

University of Gothenburg School of Business, Economics and Law

Donation

SEK 40 million (jointly with the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation)

Established

2008

Subject matter

Business History

Holder

Susanna Fellman (January 1, 2011-)
Department of Economics and Society(read more)

The Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Chair in Design Management

Photo Johan Wingborg.

The professorship will develop new knowledge and new forms of practice at the intersection of artistic design practice and scientific theory and practice in management and business administration. The subject focus may change over time, but will always be in the areas of design and economics. The professorship is not limited in time.

University

Faculty of Arts and School of Business, University of Gothenburg

Donation

SEK 40 million

Established

2007

Subject matter

Design Management

Holder

Elena Raviola (September 1, 2018–) (Press release)
School of Design and Crafts, Valand Read more

Previous holders

Lisbeth Svengren Holm, Ulla Johansson

Ragnar Söderberg's Chair in Economics

Photo Juliana Wiklund.

Donation to the Stockholm School of Economics, in memory of Ragnar Söderberg 100 years after his birth on April 13, 2000. The professorship is held for a period of two to four years.

University

Stockholm School of Economics

Donation

SEK 20 million (jointly with the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation)

Established

2000

Subject matter

After 2012, the professorship will alternate between business administration and financial economics or economics.

Holder

Johanna Wallenius (2022–2026)

Previous holders

Johnny Lind (2020–2021), Pär Åhlström (2018–2019), Magnus Johannesson (2016–2017, economics), Udo Zander ( 2009–2012), Claes-Robert Julander (2004–2008), Tore Ellingsen (2000–2004)

The Torsten and Ragnar Söderberg Chair in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Management

Photo Juliana Wiklund.

Donation for the 100th anniversary of the Stockholm School of Economics in 2009. The professorship is held for a period of four years.

University

Stockholm School of Economics

Donation

50 million SEK (jointly with the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation)

Established

2008

Subject matter

Business Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship and management

Previous holders

Pär Åhlström

The Olof A. Söderberg Chair in Business Administration

Photo Juliana Wiklund.

Donation in memory of Consul General Olof A. Söderberg, one of the founders of the Stockholm School of Economics.

University

Stockholm School of Economics

Donation

SEK 40 million

Subject matter

Business Administration

Holder

Magnus Söderlund

Previous holders

Björn Axelsson