International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE)

Katja Bender Portrait IZNE 23

Prof. Dr Katja Bender

Professor of Economics, esp. Economic & Social Development/Director of the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE)/Head MBA CSR & NGO Management/Deputy president European Association for Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI)

katja.bender@h-brs.de

Unit

Department of Management Sciences, International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE)

Research fields

  • Social protection and health care systems from a global perspective, in particular political economy of reform processes in low- or middle-income countries
  • Interplay between technological & institutional change with a specific focus on the Energy-Health-Nexus.
  • (International) research-practice cooperation and sustainable development

Location

Sankt Augustin

Room

G 045

Address

Grantham-Allee 20

53757, Sankt Augustin

Telephone

+49 2241 865 9660

Profile

Subject area

Economics, especially Economic and Social Development

Teaching areas

  • Microeconomics

  • Development economics

  • Research methods including empirial economic and social research

  • Political economy of health systems

Research fields
  • Social protection and health care systems from a global perspective, in particular political economy of reform processes in low- or middle-income countries
  • Interplay between technological & institutional change with a specific focus on the Energy-Health-Nexus.
  • (International) research-practice cooperation and sustainable development
International working experience

Sub-Saharan Africa (Eritrea, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania); South Asia & South-East Asia (India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

Memberships

Projects

Current projects

 

Closed projects:
  • Roles, processes and risks within the research – practice nexus: Perspectives from academia [in collaboration with European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI)] 2019-2020
  • Energy Self-sufficiency for Health Facilities in Ghana (EnerShelf), Definitionsvorhaben CLIENT II – Internationale Partnerschaften für nachhaltige Innovationen“ [Funding organisation: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)]
  • Social and Health Policies for Inclusive Growth (SHPIG) - Breaking the Vicious Circle between Poverty and Ill-Health. Are cash transfers and social health protection policies in Ghana and Kenya mutually complementing? [Funding organisation:  Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) - WOTRO Science for Global Development] 2015-2017
  • Globale Partnerships – North Rhine-Westphalia and international sustainable development –Status Quo und perspectives [Funding organisation: Ministerium für Innovation, Wissenschaft und Forschung (MIWF) NRW] 2015-2016
  • International Policy Learning and Policy Change: Scientific Inputs for the Dialogue on Social Protection with Global Partners [Co-financing: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)], 2013-2014

Research Projects

KLUGER Transfer - Climate - Environment - Health - Transfer

The KLUGER Transfer project stands for knowledge transfer in the fields of climate, environment and health research. The aim is to strengthen the transfer of knowledge from basic research at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) via applied research at the International Center for Sustainable Development (IZNE) at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) to the public, politics and business. Different formats for targeted exchange are being tested in order to improve communication between science, society and politics.

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender Prof. Dr Martin Hamer Prof. Dr Stefanie Meilinger Prof. Dr Wiltrud Terlau
Key Visual Kluger Transfer mit weissem HG
One Health - A holistic approach to metropolitan regions Part 2

Using the One Health approach, the research college, led by ZEF at the University of Bonn, is looking at urban food systems: on the one hand, at the "supply of healthy food from sustainable production" and, on the other hand, at the "spread and transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens" through food chains. Furthermore, health-related aspects of urban transformation are highlighted, which fall into the areas of "health and well-being" and "sustainable cities".

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender Prof. Dr Martin Hamer Prof. Dr Wiltrud Terlau
Logo One Health Projekt (DE)
EnerSHelf – Energy supply for health care facilities in Ghana

"Dumsor" is the Ghanaian word for the frequent blackouts that happen on the country's electricity grid. Like many developing and emerging countries, Ghana suffers from frequent power cuts. On top of this, there is also the instability of the power grid. Both have a major impact on the health care services. Although electricity from photovoltaic systems could provide a solution, the photovoltaic (PV) market in Ghana remains relatively underdeveloped. This is where the EnerSHelf joint project steped in. Through dedicated research, research-practice collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, and on-the-ground implementation, the project paved the way for improved energy access and resilience within the healthcare sector, ultimately contributing to the well-being and prosperity of the Ghanaian population.

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Stefanie Meilinger Prof. Dr Katja Bender
enershelf_logo.jpg (DE)
EnerSHelF_DEF - Energy self-sufficiency for Health Facilities in Ghana

The main objectives of the definition project "Energy Self-sufficiency for Health Facilities in Ghana" were to form a consortium of academic and corporate partners to prepare a draft proposal for a research and development (R&D) project aimed primarily at simultaneously improving access to health services and energy through the development and delivery of context-appropriate and sustainable energy solutions for health facilities in Ghana.

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender Prof. Dr Stefanie Meilinger
enershelf_logo.jpg (DE)
One Health - A holistic approach to metropolitan regions Part 1

The research consortium "One Health and Urban Transformation - Recognizing Risks and Developing Sustainable Solutions" is a graduate school funded by North Rhine-Westphalia’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research NRW. It is coordinated by the Center for Development Research (ZEF) in cooperation with institutes of the University of Bonn, the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and the United Nations University (Institute for Environment and Human Security).

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender Prof. Dr Wiltrud Terlau Prof. Dr Martin Hamer
Logo One Health Projekt (DE)
Global Partnership - North Rhine-Westphalia for International Sustainable Development

Against the backdrop of the concretization of the 2030 Agenda adopted in September and the universally applicable Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) anchored therein, solution strategies for the greater intensification of interdisciplinary cooperation between different scientific disciplines and the necessary internationalization of research will be developed in a dialogue between representatives of development and sustainability research, research policy and research funding institutions.

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender
Teaser Placeholder
SHPIG - Social and Health Policies for Inclusive Growth

Social protection is increasingly seen as a relevant tool for bringing about inclusive growth. This is in line with the broader idea of comprehensive development, which considers social inequality and sustainability issues as priority concerns, and reflects a significant shift in perspective. Good health is an important component of comprehensive growth. Poverty and ill health are highly correlated and mutually reinforcing: high direct and indirect costs of access to treatment lead to poverty or exacerbate existing poverty.

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender
shpig-logo-mit-text.png (DE)
International Workshop: “Measuring the social, economic and political effects of social protection: How to overcome the challenges?"

The international workshop "Measuring the social, economic and political effects of social protection: How to overcome the challenges?" brings together policy makers and experts from academia, development practitioners and public administrators to discuss methodological, operational and strategic challenges of measuring the effectiveness of policy interventions and to develop solutions.

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender
Gruppenbild WS “Measuring the social, economic and political effects of social protection: How to overcome the challenges?" (DE)
International Policy Learning and Policy Change: Scientific Inputs for the Dialogue on Social Protection with Global Partners

The research project investigates determinants of international policy diffusion as well as the role of transgovernmental policy networks for policy change in the field of social protection in developing and emerging countries. Research Approach Policy diffusion and policy transfer are research programs that deal with the international spread of policies. Different mechanisms, among them policy learning, have been identified by related research to explain policy diffusion.

Project management at the H-BRS

Prof. Dr Katja Bender
Teaser Placeholder

Publications

Journal articles or articles in edited volumes​

  • Bender, K. (2022). Research–Practice–Collaborations in International Sustainable Development and Knowledge Production: Reflections from a Political-Economic Perspective. In: The European Journal of Development Research. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-022-00549-7 

  • Pouw, N., Bender, K. (2022). The Poverty Reduction Effect of Social Protection: The Pros and Cons of a Multidisciplinary Approach. In: The European Journal of Development Research. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-022-00505-5  

  • Bender, K. (2021). Public preferences In: E. Schuering & Loewe, M. (eds.), Handbook of Social Protection Systems, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp. 507-519. Online version at: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781839109119 .

  • Ana Maria Perez Arredondo, Sandul Yasobant, Walter Bruchhausen, Katja Bender, Timo Falkenberg (2021). Intersectoral collaboration shaping One Health in the policy agenda: A comparative analysis of Ghana and India. One Health, Volume 13,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100272 .

  • Rohregger, B., Bender, K., Kinuthia, B., , Ikua, G., Schüring, E., Pouw, N. (2021). The politics of implementation: The role of traditional authorities in delivering social policies to poor people in Kenya. In: Critical Social Policy, https://doi.org/10.1177/02610183211009889 

  • Bender, K., Rohregger, B., Kinuthia, B., Ikua, G.,Schüring, E., Alatinga, K., Adamba, C., Pouw, N. (2021). Different pathways of social protection reforms: An analysis of long-term institutional change in Kenya. in: World Development, 131, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105210 

  • Pouw, N., Rohregger, B., Schüring, E., Alatinga, K., Kinuthia, B., & Bender, K. (2020). Social Protection in Ghana and Kenya through an Inclusive Development Lens: complex effects and risks, in: World Development Perspectives, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2020.100173 

  • Rohregger, Barbara/Bender, Katja/Kinuthia, Bethuel/Schüring, Esther/Ikua, Grace/Pouw, Nicky: The politics of implementation or why institutional interaction matters: The role of traditional authorities in delivering pro-poor social policies in Kenya. IZNE Working Paper Series, 18/2., Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, 2018.

  • Bender, K. (2016), Internationale Politikdiffusion und Umsetzung des Rechts auf soziale Sicherung, MenschenRechtsMagazin, Heft 2/16, pp. 129-138, https://publishup.uni-potsdam.de/opus4-ubp/frontdoor/deliver/index/docId/10036/sites/default/files/2022-06/GTN_Flyer.jpgmrm21_02.pdf

  • Bender, K., Loewe, M., Schüring, E. (2016), Soziale Sicherung in Entwicklungsländern, in: Handbuch zur Sozialversicherungswissenschaft. Grenzen überwinden: Interdisziplinäre Diskurse innerhalb des Systems der Sozialversicherung, Springer-Verlag Berlin,  2015
  • Bender, K., Nachhaltigkeit aus institutionenökonomischer Perspektive am Beispiel der Schiefergasförderung, in Seegers, N. et al., Hrsg., Responsible Business – Nachhaltiges Handeln in Unternehmen, Nomos-Verlag, Berlin, 2014.
  • Bender, K., The Political Economy of Social Protection Reforms in Developing Countries: What is to be explained and how?, to be published in Social Protection in Developing Countries: Reforming Systems, eds. Bender, K.; Kaltenborn, M. and Pfleiderer, C., Routledge, 2013
  • Bender, K. and Rompel, M., Financial Crisis and Social Protection Reform - Brake or Motor?, with Rompel, M.,  in: Bauer, A.; Thant, M. (ed.), The Impact of the Global Economic Slowdown on Poverty and Sustainable Development in Asia and Pacific", Asian Development Bank (Manila/Tokyo), 2010
  • Bender, K., Soziale Sicherung im Krankheitsfall für Mittellose, in: Die Krankenversicherung, 2008, 60(1), S.22-24
  • Bender, K., Social Protection Reform in Indonesia - In Search of Universal Coverage, with Knöss, J.in: Küsel, Corinna; Maenner, Ulrike; Meissner, Ricarda (ed.), Social and Ecological Market Economy, GTZ, Eschborn, 2008
  • Bender, K., The Role of Social Protection within a Social Market Economy, in: Küsel, Corinna; Maenner, Ulrike; Meissner, Ricarda (Ed.), Social and Ecological Market Economy, GTZ, Eschborn, 2008

 

Monographs and editorships
  • Bender, K.; Kaltenborn, M. und Pfleiderer, C., Hrsg., Social Protection in Developing Countries: Reforming Systems, Routledge, Abingdon, 2013
  • Bender, K., Institutionelle Reformen für dezentrale Entwicklung: Die Rolle gemeinschaftsbasierter Organisationen am Beispiel kooperativer Versicherungsarrangements, Verlag für Entwicklungspolitik, Saarbrücken, 2006

 

Policy Reports and Policy Papers
  • Keller, S.; Bender, K. (2020). Roles, processes and risks within the research – practice nexus: Perspectives from academia. European Association for Development Research and Training Institutes, Bonn.  
  • Bender, K., Keller, S. und Willing, H. (2014). "The Role of International Policy Transfer and Diffusion for Policy Change in Social Protection – A Review of the State of the Art." IZNE Social Protection Working Paper 14/1. Publikation auf pub.H-BRS einsehen
  • Bender, K., Keller, S. und Willing, H. (2014). "Insights into the Role of International Policy Networks for International Policy Transfer and Policy Learning in Social Protection." IZNE Social Protection Working Paper 14/2. Publikation auf pub.H-BRS einsehen
  • Bender, K. et al., Options for Social Protection Reform in Indonesia, with et al., Jakarta, 2008
  • Bender, K.,  Holst, J., Möller, S und Schramm, B., Soziale Krankenversicherung - Ein Beitrag zur internationalen entwicklungspolitischen Diskussion über umfassende Systeme der sozialen Sicherheit/ Social Health Insurance - A contribution to the international development policy on universal systems of social protection, with.,  GTZ/ BMZ, 2008

 

Working Paper

Links

Further links

Subject field: Health and Social Protection (IZNE)
International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE)
MBA CSR & NGO Management
EADI
EADI - Working Group Social Protection
EnerSHelF