Professor Dr. Nils Goldschmidt, renowned economist and business ethicist, will assume full-time management as the Director of the Global Ethic Institute from February 1. With his appointment, the Institute will have a director who combines economic, social and cultural issues in a globalized world with ethical perspectives. Goldschmidt is known for his people-oriented approach to economic issues. Goldschmidt has been a member of the German Ethics Council since October 2024. He holds a professorship for Contextual Economics and Economic Education at the University of Siegen and is Chairman of the Social Market Economy Action Group.
What characterizes a sustainable economy that promotes human diversity and social cohesion? How can sustainable development goals and economic success be meaningfully linked? Goldschmidt will also be researching, publishing and teaching on these pressing questions from Tübingen in future.
“My vision is based on an understanding of global ethics that combines economic development and social responsibility. The Global Ethic Institute offers a place for dialog and education, but also for optimism and courage for social innovation. I would like to make my contribution to this from February 2025,” says Goldschmidt. “Because radical problems don’t need radical solutions.”
On the contrary: from the economist’s point of view, a policy of caution is required that is able to shape economic transformation processes in a humane, economical and sustainable way, while recognizing different cultural and historical lines of development. Especially in times in which many and different risk situations come together. “We must learn again that social cohesion is not a social romanticism, but a hard economic fact that pays off in terms of economic benefits and political stability. What is needed is an economy of reconciliation. I see researching this and bringing it to the public as my primary task at the Global Ethic Institute.”
In Nils Goldschmidt, the Institute team is delighted to have gained a personality who combines science, education and practice in a unique way. Together with the new Director, the Institute aims to provide new impetus and show ways in which global ethics can be put into practice in a dynamic and complex world.
The former Director, Professor Dr. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ulrich Hemel, is taking his well-deserved retirement after more than six years of dedicated leadership. Hemel’s farewell lecture will take place on February 10 at 6 p.m. in the Alte Aula of the University of Tübingen, where a handover of office to Professor Goldschmidt is also planned.
