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An­ders Ravn Sørensen

Associate Professor

Subjects
Nationalism Interest group Companies Business community History Culture

Primary research areas

Business History and History of Capitalism

I investigate the evolution of businesses, markets, and economic systems from the early modern era to today’s global capitalism. My work examines how economic structures, cultural contexts, and individual entrepreneurs have interacted, adapted, and sometimes clashed over centuries of change.

Organisational Uses of History

I explore how organisations actively engage with their past—through corporate storytelling, heritage branding, anniversaries, and archives—to shape identity, build legitimacy, and influence strategic decisions. This includes studying how historical narratives are created, contested, and mobilised in practice

Historical Methods and Dissemination

I develop and apply historical research methods, from archival analysis to narrative and autoethnographic approaches. I also experiment with new ways of presenting history beyond academia, using books, exhibitions, and audio storytelling to connect scholarly insight with public audiences.

Digging Up the Past to Challenge the Present

I am a business historian exploring how the past shapes today’s business, organisations, and society. My work examines capitalism’s evolution, the role of historical narratives in organisations, and new ways of bringing history to broader audiences. 

Through research on business history and organisational uses of the past, I help companies and institutions understand how heritage, identity, and strategy connect. This knowledge supports better decision-making, communication, and public engagement. 

I also develop and apply innovative historical methods, from archival research to narrative and autoethnography, and work to share history beyond academia through books, exhibitions, and audio storytelling. 

My aim is to make history both relevant and accessible — showing how lessons from the past can inspire reflection, foster resilience, and inform the choices we face today. 

Recent research projects

Grønbech A/S – 200 Years Through Things and People

A historical study of one of Denmark’s oldest companies, told through its products and the people who made, sold, and used them. The project explores how material culture shapes business history.
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The Hunt for Christmas

A book following in the footsteps of naval officer and adventurer and entrepreneur Walter Christmas. Blending travel, archival sleuthing, and narrative history, the project uncovers his life and myths

Rethinking Method in Business History

An experimental project exploring how new historical methods can open up fresh perspectives in the writing of business history.

Outside activities

Historic consultant for Innopixel, 2024–2025

Historical consultancy in connection with the rebuilding of the Danish Stock Exchange.

Member of the Advisory Board, Magasin Museum

I serve as a member of the advisory board for Magasin Museum, which is run by the independent commercial foundation behind Magasin du Nord. The museum explores the history of consumption and retail in a contemporary perspective. As an advisory board member, I contribute research-based insights on business and cultural history and advise on the museum’s strategic and scholarly directions.
Magasin Museum

Consultant for the project Green Horizon 2030, 2024–2026

As an external consultant for Green Horizon 2030, I collaborate with the Danish Design Center, CONCITO, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to develop a historical and narrative contribution to the project’s vision for the green transition. My work focuses on communicating stories of earlier Danish industrial successes to inspire small and medium-sized enterprises to approach the green transition as an opportunity-driven renewal rather than a regulatory constraint.