About EBHA
The EBHA was established at the end of 1994 as the professional body for individuals interested in the development of business and management in Europe from the earliest time to the present day.
Welcome Letter from the EBHA President
Dear members and those interested in the history of business,
Welcome to the European Business History Association (EBHA). Since its foundation in 1994, the EBHA has been committed to advancing the historical study of business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the institutions that shape economic life. Our mission is to provide a forum for rigorous scholarship, international exchange, and interdisciplinary dialogue. Business history is, at its core, a field that explores how individuals, organizations, and societies have navigated the challenges of economic development, industrial transformation, and global integration. By examining these processes through a historical lens, we gain insights that are vital for understanding the present and preparing for the future. Our association’s strength lies in its diversity.
EBHA members study a wide range of topics: family firms and multinational corporations, banking and finance, innovation and technology, labor and consumption, corporate governance and entrepreneurship. They work with varied methods and perspectives, from quantitative approaches to cultural analysis. This diversity is a source of creativity. It allows us to engage in rich conversations and to learn from one another’s approaches. The annual conferences have proven to be an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas on these subjects.
We take pride in creating opportunities for younger scholars to develop their work, share their findings, and build international collaborations. At the same time, we value the contributions of senior scholars whose expertise and long experience guide our field. This intergenerational dialogue is one of the hallmarks of our community, and one of the reasons why the EBHA continues to grow in strength and influence. In addition to the annual conference, the EBHA organizes summer schools to achieve this objective. These summer schools enable young researchers to learn about the broad field of business history and to exchange ideas about their research.
The EBHA wants to sustain and deepen this mission while also guiding the association into new areas of opportunity. Business history is not static. It evolves as the world around us changes. Today, our field is being transformed by new questions, new methods, and new audiences. Business historians are increasingly engaging with issues of sustainability, environmental change, gender, and inequality. Digital archives and tools - and AI - are reshaping how we conduct research and how we present our findings. Global perspectives are challenging us to think beyond national frameworks, to consider connections and comparisons across continents.
The EBHA’s mission is rooted in history, but it is oriented toward the future. The study of business history helps us understand how enterprises respond to crises, how they innovate, and how they shape and are shaped by societies. These questions are as relevant today as ever. In times of uncertainty — economic, political, or environmental — history offers perspective. It shows us patterns, continuities, and alternatives. It reminds us that change is possible, that choices matter, and that the future is never predetermined.
The EBHA has always been more than an academic association. It is a network that connects people across countries, disciplines, and career stages. The importance of community should be emphasized. Academic life can at times feel fragmented or isolating, but the EBHA is a reminder that we are part of a collective endeavor. Our conferences and summer schools are not only intellectual exchanges but also occasions to build lasting professional and personal relationships.
I invite you to join us in this endeavor. Our association thrives on openness, dialogue, and exchange. Whether you are a PhD student just beginning your research, a scholar with decades of experience, or someone outside academia who is interested in the history of business, the EBHA offers a place for you.
On our website, you will find information about upcoming conferences, publications, and initiatives. You might find resources to support your research and teaching, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across Europe and around the world. I encourage you to explore these resources and to consider becoming actively involved in the EBHA’s activities. Together, we can ensure that business history remains a dynamic and vital field, one that speaks not only to the past, but also to the present and the future.
With warm regards,
Bram Bouwens
President European Business History Association
