Portrait of Kristian Løbner, Research Assistant
Meet Kristian Løbner, who has just been employed as a research assistant in the MBIT group. As of 1 February 2017, he will begin his PhD programme, where he will collaborate with COWI to examine how innovating business models in large established companies can be consolidated through management and organisational development.
Why did you choose to work at the Department of Business Development and Technology?
I’ve chosen to work at the department as I’m interested in the interface between business development and technology. During my five or six years as a consultant at COWI, I’ve witnessed how important this insight is to create value for customers, the community and the company.
What is your area of expertise and what will you be doing here?
I’m employed as a research assistant in the MBIT group (Multi Business Model Innovation and Technology). As of 1 February 2017, I’ll begin my PhD programme, where I’ll collaborate with COWI to examine how innovating business models in large established companies can be consolidated through management and organisational development.
What is your educational background?
I have an MSc in Sustainable Planning from Aalborg University from 2011. Additionally, I hold a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Organisation and Management), which I completed in 2016.
What have you done before?
Since 2011, I’ve been employed at COWI, which is a consulting engineering company with approx. 6,500 employees. My primary field of work has been urban development in Denmark with a particular focus on the retail trade (attractive city centres, new convenience stores, pedestrian flow, etc.). Lately I’ve become increasingly involved in a series of large and small innovation projects, and most recently I’ve been trusted with the position of innovation manager in the department of urban development and transport planning (Afdelingen for By- og Trafikplanlægning).
Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your leisure activities.
I live in Aalborg with my girlfriend Helle. At the moment, my terraced house is buzzing with ideas about “the joys of adulthood” like children, buying a house and a lot of obligations, but nothing is settled yet. We enjoy everything the city has to offer such as cafés on the waterfront, experiences in Musikkens Hus, training in DGI Nordkraft and trips to the many natural areas near Aalborg. Every winter I go to the Alps with my friends, and this year I’m looking forward to trying my skills with my new off-piste skis.