Starting August 1, 2025, Professor Hans Kjellberg will be the first holder of the new Handelsbanken Chair in Philosophies of Markets. At the same time, the Stockholm School of Economics is launching the Center for Philosophies of Markets – a new interdisciplinary hub for basic research on markets as social phenomena.

Professor Hans Kjellberg has spent more than two decades studying how markets are organized and practiced. His research – often in collaboration with both Swedish and international scholars – explores how markets are shaped by actors, norms, and representations. As Director of the new center, he will lead basic research that builds foundational knowledge about markets and their role in society. This kind of research does not prescribe or recommend specific applications but often lays the groundwork for future solutions.

“Markets don’t just exist – they are created and ever-changing. To understand their role in society, we need interdisciplinary research that goes beyond standard economic models. That’s why Handelsbanken’s support for long-term basic research in this field is so valuable,” says Hans Kjellberg.

Rethinking what markets should deliver

Markets are one of society’s most central organizing forces. Today, they influence not just production and consumption but also how we organize schools, healthcare, housing, and environmental policies. At the same time, expectations of what markets should deliver are changing. It’s no longer only about efficiency and profit, but increasingly also about fairness, sustainability, and resilience. New types of markets are emerging, such as digital platforms and local networks, while long-held assumptions about globalization and liberal market economies are being questioned.

“Handelsbanken has a long-standing tradition of supporting economic research that helps us better understand today’s complex societal challenges. This new center is part of our broader effort to create spaces for dialogue between researchers and society at large. With this initiative, we want to enable innovative research about the role of markets – and most importantly, the values they can and should contribute to,” says Martin Blåvarg, Executive Director of the Handelsbanken Research Foundations.

Center for Philosophies of Markets

The Center for Philosophies of Markets will bring together researchers from a range of disciplines to explore markets as social and cultural phenomena. Its focus will be on understanding the diversity of markets – from global financial markets to local food networks – and their role in shaping future societies.

“Society is undergoing major changes and facing complex challenges. To address them in a constructive and sustainable way, we need research that gets to the heart of the structures that shape our lives. Social science must play a central role in how we understand, question, and develop our society – and Handelsbanken has been key in making this possible,” says Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics.

About Handelsbanken

Handelsbanken has over 400 local branches in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the Netherlands. The Handelsbanken Research Foundations support qualified research in economics, social sciences, and related fields. By promoting research, education, and the dissemination of knowledge, Handelsbanken contributes to a positive societal development. EFN Ekonomikanalen offers free and independent economic journalism in the form of TV, podcasts, and written news.

For more information, please contact:

Hans Kjellberg
Handelsbanken Chair in Philosophies of Markets
Stockholm School of Economics
Tel: +46-708-633 356
Mail: hans.kjellberg@hhs.se

Martin Blåvarg
Executive Director
Handelsbanken Research Foundations
Tel: +46-730-548 838
Mail: martin.blavarg@handelsbanken.se

About the Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics is rated as a top business school in the Nordic and Baltic countries and enjoys a strong international reputation. World-class research forms the foundation of our educational offering, which includes bachelor, master, PhD, MBA, and Executive Education programs. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with the business and research communities, providing graduates substantial potential to attain leading positions in companies and other organizations. 

The School is accredited by EQUIS, certifying that all of its principal activities – teaching as well as research – maintain the highest international standards. The Stockholm School of Economics is also the only Swedish member institution of CEMS and PIM, which are collaborations between top business schools worldwide, contributing to the level of quality for which our school is known. 

Press contact

Ylva Mossing
Content and Media Relations Manager
Email: ylva.mossing@hhs.se
Phone: +46 730 97 26 16

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