https://hdl.handle.net/10419/27751 2026-09-16T01:51:09Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335888 Title: From QAnon to the climate change hoax: Using "Moral Politics Theory" to explain conspiracy mentality among the ideological right Authors: Elkmann, Janek; Schrimpf, Tobias Abstract: Research on conspiracy theories and predictors that explain susceptibility to believing in conspiracy theories (conspiracy mentality) has already led to a considerable body of academic contributions. Nevertheless, we see the necessity to continue working on higher-level frameworks that summarize and explain various of these predictors under one umbrella. Only focussing on individual correlates can certainly make well-founded statements about individual susceptibility to conspiracy theories, but cannot formulate a holistic explanation due to the supposed lack of connection between the predictors. This means that, for example, only very fragmentary recommendations can be derived for preventive concepts. The present research proposes a metatheoretical framework for conspiracy mentality based on 'Moral Politics Theory' (Lakoff, 2016). The central thesis of this paper is that conspiracy mentality can be understood as an inherent component of so-called 'Strict Father Morality', i.e. the conservative ideology in Moral Politics Theory. This not only has implications for research theory, but also concrete imperatives for action for socio-political actors. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/341609 Title: Non-anthropocentric cost-benefit analysis based on animals' willingness to pay Authors: Dusel, Sara; Von Keyserlingk, M. A. G.; Wieck, Christine Abstract: Despite a plethora of experiments on animals' preferences for different resources, elicited through animals' choices and willingness to work, the insights gained from this body of work remain largely unexploited in economics. Non-anthropocentric cost-benefit analysis (CBA) may fill this gap given that it attempts to evaluate impacts on animals using data describing the animals' own perspective. However, economic frameworks that have used animal preference data to make inferences on animals' monetary willingness to pay (WTP) remain limited and leave important conceptual issues unaddressed. The aim of this conceptual study is to explore novel pathways on how experimental findings describing animals' preferences can be used for making inferences on animals' monetary WTP in CBA. In an innovative approach, we use empirical insights, captured through an extensive literature review of animal experiments, as the main input for a process of conceptual reflection in economics. Framed within our assumptions, we present three main results: two novel concepts of farm animals' WTP, the first based on published animal experiments and the second calling for refined experimental designs. Third, we suggest some refinements to the existing concepts of animals' WTP. This work provides novel approaches to integrating animals' WTP into CBA that, when adopted, would allow for greater economic representation of animal welfare into policy evaluations. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/343543 Title: Fair and successful entrepreneurial ecosystems: Introducing contributism to balance inclusiveness and selectiveness Authors: Scheu, Maximilian; Kuckertz, Andreas Abstract: In this theoretical paper, we challenge the notion that aiming for inclusiveness per se improves the effectiveness of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). We argue that thriving EEs tend to require a delicate balance between inclusiveness and selectiveness. In many contexts, contributions should primarily determine access to the EE. Moreover, we suggest that transparent inclusion processes can integrate both fairness and efficiency; we term that theoretical perspective contributism. Accordingly, we caution against well-intentioned inclusivity efforts that may inadvertently reinforce new forms of exclusion. Instead, we advocate for contribution-based thresholds that uphold excellence and call for a more nuanced dialogue that recognizes contribution-based selectiveness as an often necessary component of productive EEs. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322289 Title: Potenziale und Herausforderungen entlang der Wertschöpfungskette für Fresh-Cut-Produkte in Baden-Württemberg Authors: Bublik, Nikolas; Hellstern, Laura; Mittag, Franziska; Hess, Sebastian Abstract: Unter dem Begriff "Fresh-Cuts" werden küchenfertig vorverarbeitete Obst- und Gemüseprodukte zusammengefasst. Sie erleichtern den Einsatz und die personalintensive Verarbeitung von Obst und Gemüse in der Außer-Haus-Verpflegung (AHV). Darüber hinaus können sie als integraler Bestandteil einer gesunden und (bio-) regionalen Verpflegung dienen. Ziel des vorliegenden Arbeitsberichts im Rahmen des EIP-Projekts "Fresh-Cut Cluster" ist es, die FreshCut-Wertschöpfungskette in Baden-Württemberg darzustellen, erste Potenziale und Herausforderungen entlang dieser zu identifizieren sowie zukünftige Chancen und Risiken abzuleiten. Diese Themen werden durch Experteninterviews mit Vertretern aller Stufen der FreshCut Wertschöpfungskette sowie durch einen Expertenworkshop mit Fokusgruppendiskussion bearbeitet. Die Analysen zeigen, dass eine engere Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Akteuren der Wertschöpfungskette notwendig ist, um den Anteil (bio-) regionaler Fresh-Cut Produkte in der AHV zu erhöhen. Die Logistik, insbesondere die Einhaltung der Kühlkette und die schnelle Lieferung der verderblichen Produkte, stellt im preissensiblen Fresh-Cut Markt eine zentrale Herausforderung dar. Politische Unterstützung und gezielte Marketingmaßnahmen können helfen, das Vertrauen der Verbraucher in regionale Fresh-Cut Produkte zu erhöhen und damit die Nachfrage zu stärken. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z