Jan Fransen

Dr. Jan Fransen is the Head of Education & Training and Deputy Director at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He holds a PhD and MA in Development Studies and has over 20 years of experience in research, education, and consultancy focused on local economic development, particularly in relation to small firms, urban employment, and innovation systems. Dr. Fransen coordinates the urban theory course within the Master's program on Urban Management and Development and co-coordinates a short course on Sustainable Local Economic Development. His previous experience includes working for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Eastern and Southern Africa. He has completed numerous consultancy and training assignments for organizations such as the World Bank, European Commission, and various UN agencies, while also engaging in research projects across more than 20 countries worldwide, including Kenya, Indonesia, and China. Dr. Fransen is actively involved in advising on urban resilience and community-based organizations, contributing significantly to the discourse on sustainable urban development.