Maarten van Gils

Maarten van Gils is a Professor of Smart Business at HAN University of Applied Sciences, leading the Smart Business Lectorate. His research focuses on designing innovative business models leveraging technology, ecosystems, and regional cooperation. He explores how SMEs can adopt smart technology for sustainable growth through open innovation frameworks.

Key Expertises include Open Innovation, Smart Industry Ecosystems, Regional Cooperation, and Innovation Hubs. He has pioneered initiatives like the AMBISI method for guiding entrepreneurial innovation decisions and collaborates with partners such as SmartHub Industry Incubator and Top Sector Chemistry.

Notable projects include:

• Sustainable Accessibility of Arnhem Campus: Addressing traffic and mobility challenges through tech-driven solutions
• Innovation Hubs 3.0: Supporting SMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies
• iXperium Smart Industry: Leveraging labs/workshops for manufacturing innovation

He holds roles in regional networks including the BOOST Core Group and 8RHK Ambassadors, focusing on smart working and innovation policy. His work emphasizes practical, action-oriented research with students and industry partners.