
Prof. Dr.
Karolin Frankenberger
Professor of Strategic Management
Karolin Frankenberger is a full professor in strategy and innovation at the University of St.Gallen, Switzerland, where she is also Director of the Institute of Management and Strategy and Dean of the Executive School (ES-HSG). Prior to her academic career, Karolin worked for seven years at McKinsey & Company. Her research, which focuses on the topics of (digital) business transformation, ecosystems, business model innovation, and circular economy has won several prestigious awards and appears regularly in top-tier academic and practitioner-oriented journals, such as Harvard Business Review or the Academy of Management Journal. Her co-authored book The Business Model Navigator has become an international bestseller and is known as a standard reference in business model innovation literature. Karolin has also founded a spin-off, is an internationally renowned keynote speaker and supports company leaders from numerous industries worldwide in their strategy and innovation challenges. Karolin holds a PhD with highest distinction from the University of St.Gallen and was a visiting PhD student at Harvard Business School and the University of Connecticut. She and her husband are parents to two children.
Leading Competence Centers
Lecturer Further Education
Since April 1, 2018, Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger has been a Full Professor at the Institute of Management & Strategy focusing on strategy and innovation. She is also Dean of the Executive School of Management, Technology and Law at the University of St.Gallen (ES-HSG). Mrs. Frankenberger received her diploma in business administration from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in 2000. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of St.Gallen in 2004. The topic of her thesis was: «The role of the social context in strategy-making», supervised by Prof. Dr. Günter Müller-Stewens and Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann. During her doctoral studies, she was a visiting PhD student at Harvard Business School and the University of Connecticut. After completing her PhD, she started working in consulting for McKinsey & Company worldwide for almost seven years. In 2011, she returned to the Institute of Technology Management at the University of St.Gallen as a post-doc researcher. She was named Assistant Professor of the Institute in 2014. During this time, she was also Director of the Competence Center Business Model Innovation, which blossomed globally under her supervision. From 2016 to 2018, she was Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Lucerne.
Research Focus Business Model Innovation, (Digital) Business Transformation, Circular Economy and Ecosystems
Prof. Frankenberger’s research focus includes business model innovation, (digital) business transformation and circular economy and ecosystems. She spends time researching how businesses can develop and implement new business models to remain competitive in the market. Her focus is also on the topic of sustainable business models. Mrs. Frankenberger’s experience includes many publication activities, both academically and related to practice. Her articles in the «Academy of Management Journal» and her published books are particular highlights. Her book «The Business Model Navigator: 55 Models That Will Revolutionize Your Business» was translated in multiple languages and is known worldwide as a standard reference for business model innovation literature. She regularly attends international conferences or in-house management events as a keynote speaker.
Broad experience in teaching and executive education
Karolin Frankenberger has a tremendous amount of experience in education. For many years, she has been teaching on the topic interface of strategy and innovation in the Bachelor, Master and Executive programs at the University of St.Gallen, the University of Lucerne and the University of Zurich, and continues to receive excellent feedback from her students. She experimented with various teaching methods in order to meet the particularly high requirements of executive education. She authored four case studies and a business model kit for educational purposes. She is also an experienced provider of in-house continuing education courses.
Education
Year |
Degree |
University |
2004 | Visiting PhD | Harvard Business School, USA |
2003 | Visiting PhD | University of Connecticut, USA |
2004 | PhD | University of St. Gallen |
1996-2000 | Diploma | Katholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt |
1996 | Diploma | Friedrich-List-Gymnasium Reutlingen, Deutschland |
Work Experience
Year |
Position |
Organisation |
Since 2024 | Dean | Executive School of Management, Technology and Law at University of St.Gallen |
2024 | Visiting Faculty | Harvard Business School |
2022 | Visiting Professor | The St.Gallen Institute of Management in Asia, Singapore |
Since 2018 | Chaired Professor in the field of Strategy and Innovation | Institute of Management and Strategy, University of St.Gallen, |
2016-2018 | Assistant Professor & Chair Owner Strategic Management | University of Lucerne, Switzerland |
2014-2016 | Assistant Professor & Head of Competence Center Business Model Innovation | Institute for Technology Management, University of St. Gallen |
2011-2014 | Postdoctoral researcher & Head of Competence Center Business Model Innovation | Institute for Technology Management, University of St. Gallen |
2004-2011 | Senior Engagement Manager | McKinsey & Company, Zürich |
Awards
Year |
Award |
Awarding Organization |
2025 | Best Lecturer Award | Student Union of the University St.Gallen (SHSG) |
2025 | HSG Impact Award – Circular Lab: Implementing the Circular Economy | University of St.Gallen |
2022 | Among the Best Papers (top10%) submitted to the AOM conference (together with C. Zott and W. Stam) | AOM Strategy Division |
2021 | Best Lecturer Award, International Executive MBA, 2021 | University of St.Gallen |
2021 | Shortlisted (top5) for the prestigious International Book Award by brandeins and get abstract: The Digital Transformer’s Dilemma, German edition, Wiley | brandeins, get abstract |
2021 | Finalist for the Business Book Award (together with O. Gassmann): The Business Model Navigator 2nd edition, 2020 | Thinkfest |
2021 | Among the Best Papers (10%) submitted to the AOM conference (together with F. Pietrulla) | AOM ONE Division |
2020 | HSG Impact Award – Business Model Innovation for the Circular Economy | University of St.Gallen |
2019 | Thinker of the month May | Thinkers 50, the world’s most reliable resource for identifying, ranking, and sharing leading management ideas |
2018 | AcademiaNet – Expert Database for Outstanding Female Academics | Robert Bosch Stiftung and Spektrum der Wissenschaft (Nature Publishing Group) |
2017 | NRP 73 | SNF Research Foundation |
2013 | Nominated for the “Best Conference Paper Award” of the Annual Conference in Atlanta | Strategic Management Society |
2013 | Finalist Strategy Process Best Proposal Award der Annual Conference in Atlanta | Strategic Management Society |
2013-2014 | Basic Research Fund | Universität St. Gallen, Schweiz |
2006 | Winner of the Sumantra Ghoshal Research and Practice Award | Academy of Management |
2006 | Winner of the Distinguished Paper Award | Academy of Management |
2003 | Finalist Best Research Article | Academy of Management |
2003-2004 | Full time Scholarship | Swiss National Science Foundation |
Journal Articles
- Andreas Reiter, Joachim Stonig, Karolin Frankenberger (2024). Managing multi-tiered innovation ecosystems. Research Policy, 53(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2023.104905
- Takacs, F., Brunner, D., Frankenberger, K. (2022). Barriers to a circular economy in small- and medium-sized enterprises and their integration in a sustainable strategic management framework. Journal of Cleaner Production. Elsevier Science. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/109564
- Pietrulla, F., Frankenberger, K. (2022). A Research Model for Circular Business Models - Antecedents, Moderators, and Outcomes. Sustainable Futures, 4. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666188822000181
- Frankenberger, K., Stam, W. (2020). Entrepreneurial copycats: A resource orchestration perspective on the link between extra-industry business model imitation and new venture growth. Long Range Planning, 53(4). Pergamon Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2019.02.005
- Design, H., Brunner, D., Takacs, F., Nahrath, S., Frankenberger, K., Hirschier, R. (2020). A Circular Economy within the planetary boundaries: towards a resource-based, systemic approach. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 155, 104673. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104673
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2019). The Transformer's Dilemma. Harvard Business Review. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-transformers-dilemma
- Frankenberger, K., Sauer, R. (2019). Cognitive antecedents of business models: Exploring the link between attention and business model design over time. Long Range Planning, 52(3). Pergamon Press. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/98452
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., Sauer, R., Emmonet, S., Amann, C. (2017). Neue Geschäftsmodelle erfolgreich entwickeln und umsetzen: Ansätze zur Steuerung und Organisation von Geschäftsmodellinnovationen. Controlling : Zeitschrift für erfolgsorientierte Unternehmenssteuerung, 29(2), 12-20. Beck, München. https://elibrary.vahlen.de/10.15358/0935-0381-2017-2-12/neue-geschaeftsmodelle-erfolgreich-entwickeln-und-umsetzen-jahrgang-29-2017-heft-2?page=1
- Bonakdar, A., Frankenberger, K., Bader, M. A., Gassmann, O. (2017). Capturing value from Business Models: The role of formal and informal protection strategies. International Journal of Technology Management, 73(4), 151-175. Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. https://www.inderscience.com/info/inarticle.php?artid=83073
Conference Papers
- David Redaschi, Karolin Frankenberger, Christine Scheef (2024). Exploring the Impact of Founder Social Identities on Sustainable Business Model Design. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/119794
- Joachim Stonig, Heinrich-Jakob Wild, Karolin Frankenberger (2023). A Process Model of Incumbents’ Initiatives to Build New Complementary Assets. Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/117375
- David Redaschi, Karolin Frankenberger, Christine Scheef (2023). Does the Business Model Design Reflect the Founder Identity? An Empirical Investigation. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/117325
- Joachim Stonig, Karolin Frankenberger (2023). Orchestrating Innovation Ecosystems: Performance Effects of Governance Mechanisms and the Moderating Role or Novelty. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/117765
- Redaschi, D., Frankenberger, K. (2023). Business Model Design: a Review, Framework, and Future Research Possibilities. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/117145
- Heinrich-Jakob Wild, Joachim Stonig, Karolin Frankenberger (2023). Navigating the Shaping Paradox: A Longitudinal Study in the European Chemical Industry. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/117764
- Frankenberger, K., Zott, C., Wouter, S. (2022). Pioneering resource bundling for business model innovation in established firms. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/109292
- Stonig, J., Wild, H., Frankenberger, K. (2022). Finding the right chemistry: Resource allocation in the context of guided initiatives. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/109554
- Pietrulla, F., Frankenberger, K. (2021). Circular business models: Antecedents, Moderators and Outcomes. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/110523
- Mader, S., Frankenberger, K. (2021). Business Model Diversification in Multi-business Firms: Performance Implications from Business Model Diversification Scope. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/111156
- Mayer, H., Frankenberger, K. (2019). Towards a Typology of Ecosystem Coordination. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/99435
- Frankenberger, K., Zott, C. (2018). Reaching for the stars: How should established firms organize to radically renew their business models?. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/100087
- Frankenberger, K., Zott, C. (2018). The role of differentiation, integration, and governance in developing innovative business models. -, -, -. -, -. -, -. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/100144
- Sauer, R., Frankenberger, K., Lingens, B., Gassmann, O. (2016). Spin-offs as Core Vehicles for Business Model Innovation: An Attention-Based View. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/104218
- Frankenberger, K., Stam, W. (2015). Entrepreneurial copycats: The contingent value of business model imitation for new venture performance. 1-5. Strategy Expanding : Making Sense of Shifting Field and Firm Boundaries(5). SMS Strategic Management Society, Chicago, IL. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/105855
- Sauer, R., Frankenberger, K., Lingens, B. (2015). Spin-Offs as Core Vehicles for Strategic Renewal and External Knowledge Sourcing: An Attention Based View. 1-8. Strategy Expanding : Making Sense of Shifting Field and Firm Boundaries(8). SMS Strategic Management Society, Chicago, IL. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/105862
Books and Book Sections
- Claudio Feser, Daniella Laureiro - Martinez, Karolin Frankenberger, Stefano Brusoni (2024). Super Deciders. Super Deciders - The science and practice of making decisions in dynamic and uncertain times. Wiley. https://www.wiley.com/en-ca/Super+Deciders%3A+The+Science+and+Practice+of+Making+Decisions+in+Dynamic+and+Uncertain+Times-p-9781394239771
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2021). Das Digital Transformer's Dilemma, Wie Sie Ihr Kerngeschäft digitalisieren und gleichzeitig innovative Geschäftsmodelle aufbauen. WILEY. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/110978
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2021). The Digital Transformer's Dilemma: Innovate Twice to Survive. 157-173. Connected Business. Create Value in a Networked Economy. Springer. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/110980
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2021). Digital Transformer's Dilemma: Innovate Twice to Survive. 157-173. Connected Business Create Value in a Networked Economy. Springer. https://doi.org/Springer
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2020). The Digital Transformer's Dilemma. Wiley. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/111814
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2020). Transformation Towards an Ecosystem. 59-64. Ecosystems Inc.. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/111815
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., Choudury, M. (2020). The Business Model Navigator: The strategies behind the most successful companies. FT Pearson. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/111912
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2020). Pandemic Meets Digital Transformation. Transforming Beyond the Crisis. Thinkers 50. https://doi.org/Thinkers50
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., Choudury, M. (2020). Geschäftsmodelle entwickeln: Der Business Model Navigator, 3. überarbeitete und erweiterte Auflage. Hanser. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/112750
- Frankenberger, K., Mayer, H., Reiter, A., Schmidt, M. (2019). The Digital Transformer's Dilemma. 26-32. The Digital Transformer's Dilemma. Wargrave UK: Project Management Institute, Thinkers50. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/99216
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., Csik, M. (2017). Geschäftsmodelle entwickeln : 55 innovative Konzepte mit dem St. Galler Business Model Navigator. , 2. Auflage, 304. Hanser Verlag, München. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/103039
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K. (2016). Geschäftsmodelle entwickeln: Von der Kunst zum Handwerk. 17-33. Geschäftsmodellinnovationen. Springer, Wiesbaden. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/105100
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., Sauer, R. (2016). Exploring the Field of Business Model Innovation - New Theoretical Perspectives. Springer International Publishing, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41144-6
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., Csik, M. (2016). Innovation Strategy. 81-104. Das St. Galler Modell. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-07167-7
Case Studies
- Ramon Casadesus-masanell, Feser Claudio, Karolin Frankenberger, David Redaschi (2023). Novartis (C): Reimagining Medicine. (723445-PDF-ENG). Harvard Business School. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/723445-PDF-ENG?Ntt=novartis%20(c)
- Ramon Casadesus-masanell, Claudio Feser, Karolin Frankenberger, David Redaschi (2023). Novartis (B): Reimagining Medicine. (723444-PDF-ENG). Harvard Business School. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/723444-PDF-ENG?Ntt=
- Ramon Casadesus-masanell, Claudio Feser, Karolin Frankenberger, David Redaschi (2023). Novartis (A): Reimagining Medicine. (723443-PDF-ENG). Harvard Business School. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/723443-PDF-ENG?Ntt=
- Ramon Casadesus-masanell, Karolin Frankenberger, Sascha Mader (2023). On. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/117767
- Ramon Casadesus-Masanell, Karolin Frankenberger, Sascha Mader, Jordan Mitchell (2023). On Teaching Note. https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=64506
- Mader, S., Frankenberger, K. (2021). Klöckner & Co SE - Evaluating digital transformation (Teaching Case). (321-0308-1). University of St. Gallen, The Case Centre. http://casecent.re/p/179725
- Mader, S., Frankenberger, K. (2021). Klöckner & Co SE - Evaluating digital transformation (Teaching Note). (321-0308-8). http://casecent.re/p/179726
- Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K., Csik, M., Sauer, R., Lee, J. Y. (2015). Holcim: Paving the Way Towards Radically New Business Models. The Case Center. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/107111
- Frankenberger, K., Gassmann, O., Sauer, R., Lee, J. Y., Meister, C. (2015). CEWE: Business Model Innovation - When Disruptive Technologies Hit You. The Case Center. https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/107088
- Board Member Bernina Schweiz AG, 2023-present
- Editorial Board: Journal of Management Studies, 2014‐present
- Ad‐Hoc Reviewing: Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, R&D Management, Long Range Planning
- Conferences: Academy of Management Conference, SMS. EURAM
- Membership: Academy of Management (BPS division), Strategic Management Society
- BMI Lab, Consulting Company on BMI, Founder (2013)
- Bühler 2.0. project together with VRP and team, senior coach (2017‐present)
- Swiss National Science Foundation Research Committee Lucerne (2017‐present)

Christina Frei
Personal Assistant to Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger / Prof. Peter Murmann Ph.D.
+41 71 224 23 57