Claudiu Hales

Research Student

Claudiu Hales is affiliated with the Department of Public Leadership and Social Enterprise.

You can email Claudiu Hales directly but for media enquiries, please contact a member of The Open University's Media Relations team.

Biography

Claudiu, originally from Hungary and Romania, is currently pursuing a PhD focused on rural development and entrepreneurship. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business in 2020 and recently completed his Master’s in Sustainable Development in 2024. Alongside his academic pursuits, Claudiu has gained a decade’s worth of practical experience in the hospitality industry and endeavoured in various micro entrepreneurial activities including consulting and designing and building campervans using sustainable resources. Over the years he also travelled extensively through South & South-East Asia where he cultivated a deep interest in the intersection of sustainability and economic opportunity which led him to pursue this PhD.

Current Research

Unveiling the Dynamics of Sustainable Business Model Implementation: An integrated Analysis

The PhD research focuses on innovative business models in rural settings. It investigates how organizations across the EU can transform their approaches to evolve sustainably, uncovering practical strategies and tools. The aim is to provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and regional development experts, empowering them to create impactful, sustainable practices.