Since 2016 I work on my DFG-funded research project titled "Crowdfunding: an alternative financing option for entrepreneurs and creators?".

As a behavioural economist I am intrigued by all aspects of behaviour that standard neoclassical economics fails to explain. My core interest is pro-social behaviour. From a theoretical perspective I strive to shed more light on the actual drivers of pro-social behaviour. I am interested in modelling approaches that go beyond a mere focus on outcomes, by considering motivations like reciprocity, moral emotions, self-, and social-image concerns. On a more applied level I am interested in ways pro-social behaviour can have a positive impact in actual markets, especially electronic ones.
This promises to be particularly interesting when moral hazard complicates the market allocation. Voluntary components can then lead to better second-best results than incentive systems can achieve. Hence, I analyse the effect of voluntary payments in labour markets, for consumption, and in finance.
My current research program focuses on crowdfunding, a recently emerged alternative funding channel for entrepreneurial activities. Crowdfunding has the potential to boost innovation by reducing under-/over-funding and to democratize access to the capital needed to develop and commercialize innovation. My particular interest is in the motivations that drive backers/investors, the dynamics of funding and design choices to mitigate opportunistic behaviour.

I am associated with the chair for Empirical and Experimental Economics of Prof. Oliver Kirchkamp at the University of Jena. Before, I used to be a senior research fellow at the Max Planck Institute of Economics.