Mark Ørberg

My research focuses on nonprofit ownership structures—particularly enterprise foundations—and related questions of philanthropy, economics, organization, law, and regulatory oversight. I examine how enterprise foundations and comparable nonprofit control structures operate within what I call “soft-edge capitalism,” and how they connect to broader demands for responsible ownership. 

A central concern in my work is how to secure accountability, independence, and legitimacy in foundations and foundation-controlled firms while allowing them to remain innovative and globally competitive. By clarifying how legal and tax frameworks shape this ownership model, I provide insights for policymakers and regulators designing governance rules, and contribute to greater public transparency about how some of the world’s largest companies operate.  

I am motivated by the prospect of bridging law, economics, and public policy. Foundations that own companies combine charitable missions with commercial activity in ways that defy traditional categories. Understanding and improving these structures requires interdisciplinary work, and contributing insights that matter for both academic debates and concrete legal reforms drives my research agenda. Ultimately, I aim to show how these structures can be designed to strengthen philanthropy, ensure responsible business conduct, and contribute to resilient markets.