REGWI Institute for Regenerative Economics

Research Institutions

REGWI Institute for Regenerative Economics

We are rethinking the economy – regenerative, equitable, and future-ready.

The REGWI Institute for Regenerative Economics is an affiliated academic institute of the Department of Economics at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. Our focus is on the research, promotion, and transfer of regenerative economic practices that enable a sustainable and equitable future.

We collect, describe, develop, and disseminate innovative approaches to regenerative economics – both in the education and professional development of leaders and decision-makers and in practice-oriented sustainability research. We also support companies in the regenerative transformation of their business models.

The REGWI Institute brings new ideas and solutions into the academic teaching at Alanus University and sees itself as a driving force for the department’s guiding principle: #RethinkingEconomics.

REGWI Institute for Regenerative Economics

Mission

For an economy that regenerates instead of exploiting.

The REGWI Institute for Regenerative Economics is committed to an economy that not only avoids harm but actively heals. We develop practice-oriented solutions that make a future-ready economy possible – through interdisciplinary research, innovative educational programs, and close cooperation with partners from business, civil society, and politics.

Our work is based on the conviction that economic success must not come at the expense of nature or social justice. On the contrary, in times of exceeded planetary boundaries, economic success must strive for the regeneration of nature and society while simultaneously fostering ecological and social resilience.

Team

The REGWI Institute was founded in 2022 by Axel Rungweber (regenerative entrepreneur and internationally connected voice of the movement) and Prof. Dr. Stephan Hankammer (Professor of Sustainable Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Alanus University). Together, they lead REGWI as volunteer managing partners.

The team is enriched by:

Lena M. Kaufmann

Lena has been a Fellow at the REGWI Institute since 2023 and contributes her expertise in research, consulting, and communication for a regenerative future. Since March 2025, she has been supporting the re:connect incubator as academic transfer manager – with a focus on academic grounding, evaluation, and practice-oriented transformation. As a doctoral researcher in sustainability economics and an experienced strategy consultant, she combines systems thinking with methodological clarity. She is particularly committed to a mindful approach – toward one another and toward our own resources.

Patricia Theren

Patricia has been part of the REGWI team since May 2024 and supports companies on their path of regenerative transformation. As a startup and business coach, she helps organizations develop new structures – from strategic alignment and the introduction of quality management to supporting internal processes of awareness. With a structured approach, an open perspective, and her enthusiasm for development, she creates spaces for clarity, impact, and change.

Our network thrives on diversity: researchers, practitioners, creatives, and changemakers work as Fellows on the further development and dissemination of regenerative economic models.n again.

Our Services

We connect research, education, and practice for transformation. The REGWI Institute offers a wide range of programs and initiatives that support professionals and leaders in understanding, developing, and implementing regenerative economic practices. Our goal is to raise awareness of sustainable business models and provide practical skills.

Research and transfer projectsTogether with companies and universities, we work on practice-relevant research projects to develop, validate, and disseminate regenerative economic practices.
Studies & best practicesWe analyze and document successful transformation processes and develop best practices that help organizations redesign themselves in the spirit of regeneration.
Workshops & business supportFrom awareness-building to concrete implementation, we support teams and leaders on their path to becoming regenerative organizations – practical and tailored to their needs.
Impulses & keynotesInspiring talks and interactive sessions on the various aspects of regenerative economics – well-founded, motivating, and practice-oriented.
Lecture series “Regenerative Economics”In cooperation with the sustainability management courses at Alanus University, we offer a public lecture series on the topic of “Regenerative Economics” – accessible both live and digitally.
Regenerative SalonsIn collaboration with the Regenerative Market Economy initiative, we host regional salons – a space for exchange, reflection, and inspiration among entrepreneurs, sustainability managers, and researchers.

Current Projects

re:connect – Incubator for Regenerative Economics

Shaping the future together: re:connect supports startups and SMEs on the path toward business models oriented toward the common good. The re:connect incubator, initiated by the REGWI Institute in cooperation with fiveP eG, supports a total of 60 startups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over a period of twelve months in transforming toward regenerative and future-ready business models. Through hybrid learning formats, individual coaching, and a strong network, participants receive tools and knowledge to sustainably strengthen their corporate culture and strategically expand their market presence. The program is funded under the program “Making a sustainable impact – Support for common-good-oriented enterprises” by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus).

➡ Learn more: reconnect-inkubator.org

W-RISE – Empowerment for refugee women from Ukraine

Breaking new ground: W-RISE empowers Ukrainian women through sustainable and digital entrepreneurship. As part of the EU-funded W-RISE project, the REGWI Institute offers training for refugee women from Ukraine. The aim is to open up new professional perspectives through continuing education in digital and sustainable entrepreneurship and to promote integration into the labor market. The project is carried out by an international consortium bringing together universities, adult education organizations, and consulting firms from Lithuania, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Germany.

➡ Learn more: w-rise.weebly.com

Partners and Networks

Strong networking with partners from various sectors is essential to achieving our goals. We work closely with companies, NGOs, academic institutions, political organizations, and think tanks to share research findings, learn from one another, and advance regenerative solutions together. Also follow us on LinkedIn to stay informed about current projects, events, and publications.

Contact

For more information about our research projects, educational programs, or partnership opportunities, please contact us at:

Email: info@regwi.org

Website: www.regwi.org

Address of the affiliated institute at Alanus University:

REGWI Institute for Regenerative Economics

c/o Alanus Hochschule

Villestraße 3

53347 Alfter

Contact person at Alanus University:

Prof. Dr. Stephan Hankammer

Email: stephan@regwi.org or stephan.hankammer@alanus.edu

Address of the sponsoring company:

REGWI gUG (haftungsbeschränkt) An der alten Ziegelei 2 41470 Neuss