Einarsson, Stefan
My research centres on two main themes. The first concerns philanthropy, strategic grant-making, impact investing and the role of foundations in society, both in Sweden and internationally. This work contributes to understanding how philanthropic actors influence social development and policy. The second theme addresses strategy and governance in membership-based organisations—such as associations, federations, and cooperatives—offering insights into how these entities navigate complexity, sustain legitimacy, and create value for their members.
I’m passionate about teaching leadership, management, and civil society theory—ranging from curious bachelor students to experienced executives in the Executive MBA program. I also regularly lecture for organizations and professional audiences. Currently, I serve as Course Director for the mandatory leadership course in the bachelor program at the Stockholm School of Economics.
In addition to my academic work, I am a board member of the Association of Swedish Foundations and collaborate closely with Philea, the European philanthropy network. I serve as a reviewer for journals such as Voluntas and have experience as an independent expert for the European Commission. I also advise and speak for both Swedish and international foundations and associations.
For more information on my research and also full text versions of some of my publications see my page on or
Key words: strategy, governance, civil society, social movements, foundations, philanthropy.
Selected publications:
Åberg, Pelle, Stefan Einarsson & Marta Reuter. 2020. “Organizational Identity of Think Tank(er)s: A Growing Elite Group in Swedish Civil Society” Politics and Governance 8(3) pp. 142-151. DOI: 10.17645/pag.v8i3.3086
Åberg, P, Einarsson, S. & Reuter, M. (2019) “Think tanks: New organizational Actors in a Changing Swedish Civil Society” Voluntas DOI.org/10.1007/s11266-019-00174-9
Einarsson, S. & Wijkström, F. (2019) “Governance implications from a re-hybridizing agricultural co-operative” in Alexius, S. & Furusten, S. Managing Hybrid Organizations. Governance, Professionalism and Regulation. London: Palgrave Macmillian
Wijkström, F. & Einarsson, S (2018) “Swedish Foundations in Comparison: A Carefully Negotiated Space of Existence” American Behavioral Scientist
Schuyt, T. et al. (2018). Driving Progress for Research and Innovation in Europe: The potential of R&I foundations. Brussels: European Commission, DG R&I.
Einarsson, S. & Kallifatides, M. (2017) Parternas bolag. Ett diskussionsunderlag. Stockholm: Stockholm School of Economics Institute for Research.
Einarsson, S. (2016) Medlemmar, ideologi och strategi. En studie av IOGT-NTO 1970-2009 Stockholm: Stockholm School of Economics Institute for Research.
Einarsson, S. (2016) ”En bidragsgivare tar form. Pro Patrias arbete 1952-2014” in Amnå (ed) För det allmänna bästa : ett kungligt sällskap mellan stat och marknad under 250 år. Stockholm: Atlantis.
Einarsson, S. & Wijkström, F. (2015). “Sweden Country Report EUFORI Study” in B. Gouwenberg et al. (Eds.), EUFORI Study: European Foundations for Research and Innovation. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
Einarsson, S. (2012) "Ideology Being Governed. Strategy Formation in Civil Society" Stockholm: Stockholm School of Economics.
Einarsson, S. (2011) “The Revitalization of a Popular Movement. Case Study Research from Sweden” Voluntas, Vol 22, number 4, pp 658-681
Wijkström, F. & Einarsson, S. (2004) ”Foundations in Sweden. Their Scope, Roles and Visions” Stockholm: EFI