Family businesses around the world are the beating heart of many economies and communities, often deeply woven into the cultural fabric of their societies. Here at the Centre for Family Entrepreneurship and Ownership (CeFEO) at Jönköping International Business School, we’ve spent the last two decades exploring the complexities and nuances of family-owned enterprises. Now, to celebrate CeFEO’s 20-year anniversary, we’re thrilled to unveil Spotlight – a digital platform designed to connect groundbreaking research with those who can benefit most from it: family business owners, leaders, and policymakers.

I’m Massimo Baù, director of CeFEO, and it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Spotlight. This isn’t just a magazine; it’s a bridge between academia and the family business community, crafted to be insightful, accessible, and impactful.

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Bridging CeFEO’s Vision with Spotlight’s Mission

When CeFEO was founded, our mission was clear: to support and empower family businesses through rigorous research that addresses real-world challenges. At the core of CeFEO’s vision is a commitment to “generating and sharing knowledge on the uniqueness of family entrepreneurship and ownership.” Our mission aligns closely with the needs of the family business sector, a sector characterized by unique strengths and challenges that traditional business theories don’t always address.

Over the years, our research has delved into many aspects of family businesses: succession planning, governance, sustainability, emotional dynamics, and long-term strategy. We’ve collaborated with family firms, owners, and scholars worldwide, and have presented our findings in conferences, journals, and industry events. Yet, we recognize that academic journals, while essential, aren’t always the best way to share this knowledge with everyone who can benefit from it. That’s why we created Spotlight – to make these insights accessible, actionable, and relevant to practitioners outside academia.

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What You’ll Find in Spotlight

Spotlight offers a unique way to engage with family business research. Our content is organized to meet the interests and needs of various readers, whether you’re an owner, an advisor, a policymaker, or simply someone interested in the inner workings of family businesses.

Academic research can be dense and full of jargon, making it challenging to apply in practical settings. Spotlight breaks down our latest research into concise, easy-to-read summaries. Each summary highlights actionable insights, so whether you’re trying to navigate succession planning or exploring governance structures, you’ll find information you can immediately apply.

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Why Follow Spotlight?

By following Spotlight, you’re joining a community of individuals dedicated to the continued success of family businesses. Whether you’re here to find solutions for current challenges, stay informed on emerging trends, or connect with like-minded peers, Spotlight is here to be your resource and guide.

Family business is about more than profit; it’s about legacy, responsibility, and a commitment to future generations. At CeFEO, we’re passionate about creating knowledge that strengthens these values, and Spotlight is our way of bringing that knowledge to you.

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Thank you for joining us on this journey. Welcome to Spotlight!

Sincerely,

Massimo Baù
Director of CeFEO and Editor of Spotlight

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