Betriebswirtschaftliches Forschungszentrum für Fragen der mittelständischen Wirtschaft e. V. (BF/M) an der Universität Bayreuth

Founded in 1979, the Bayreuth Research Institute for small and medium sized organizations at the University of Bayreuth (BF/M-Bayreuth) is a non-profit organization with the aim to link the sphere of science with the industry, to transfer the outcomes of scientific research into the industry enabling empirical studies. Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are the main focus.

As a registered association, the BF/M has its financial sources outside the university’s budget without the aim to make profit. The main part of the income is generated through the institute’s own business projects. These range form short-term projects with a mandate from our business partners to yearlong programs. Other financial sources comprise membership fees, donations as well as deficit funding from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Country Development and Energy.

The institute’s work comprises researching, developing and implementing efficient methods and instruments for business management. Against the backdrop of the increasing globalization of the economy and the importance of the service sector as well as modern information and communication technologies, the institute has the following research focuses:

• Business networks
• The internationalization of SMEs through networks
• Empirical projects and transfer
• Digitalisation of SMEs