Yuri Bobbert is a Professor of Information System Science at Antwerp Management School (AMS), part of the University of Antwerp. He holds dual PhDs from Radboud University and the University of Antwerp, focusing on IT performance measurement. His career includes roles as Global Group CSO of NN Group and UWV (Government), leading cybersecurity integrations during mergers like NN Group and Delta Lloyds. As CEO of B-ABLE (IT consultancy), he developed cybersecurity frameworks. Currently, he advises on NIS2 compliance and Zero Trust strategies. His research spans cybersecurity ROI, regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIS2), and leadership in digital security. Education PhD in Information Systems (Radboud University) PhD in Cybersecurity (University of Antwerp) Research Interests Cybersecurity governance and compliance ROSI (Return on Security Investment) CISO leadership and board communication Zero Trust architecture Risk quantification in digital ecosystems Publications & Books Authored books: Strategic Approaches to Digital Platform Security Assurance , Cybersecurity in 60 Minutes , and Digital Security Leadership Over 100 peer-reviewed publications on cybersecurity performance and governance Grants & Awards Recipient of NIS2 implementation research grants Contributor to EU cybersecurity policy discussions Labs & Teams Leads AMS cybersecurity education programs and collaborates with ON2IT on global cybersecurity strategies.
Yves Wautelet serves as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, where he conducts research in conceptual modeling, business process management, and digital transformation. His work addresses critical challenges at the intersection of information systems engineering and business strategy, with particular focus on sustainability-driven modeling approaches and IT governance frameworks. His primary research interests include: Conceptual modeling methodologies and frameworks Business process management and information systems design Digital transformation strategies and implementation IT governance and business-IT alignment Sustainability-driven modeling for circular economy Agile software development practices and methods Requirements engineering with user stories Wautelet's recent publication record demonstrates significant scholarly productivity with numerous 2024-2025 publications spanning conceptual modeling frameworks for sustainability (Circulise), tools for identifying ambiguity in user stories (AmbiTRUS), and approaches to align strategic and operational agility. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications across diverse domains including healthcare, circular economy, software development, and organizational transformation. His research consistently applies model-driven approaches to solve complex real-world problems, often integrating sustainability considerations into information systems engineering. As a promotor and co-promotor, Wautelet currently supervises multiple doctoral research projects including: Automatic generation of conceptual models from textual descriptions (2024-2028) Sustainability-Driven Modeling Assistant for Twin Transition in Vietnam (2024-2028) Home Care Business Process Management using Distributed Ledger Technologies (2024-2028) Teaching Modeling Skills in BPMN formalism (2021-2025) His research is conducted through the Information Systems Engineering Research Group (LIRIS) at KU Leuven's Brussels campus, where he contributes to advancing model-driven approaches for addressing contemporary business and technological challenges.
Steven De Haes is the Dean of Antwerp Management School and a Full Professor of Digital Strategy & Governance at the University of Antwerp. He specializes in IT governance, digital transformation strategies, and enterprise architecture. His research focuses on bridging IT strategy with organizational goals, emphasizing accessibility and sustainability in digital technologies. Roles: Dean, Professor, Academic Director of executive programs (IT Governance, Cyber Security, Data Science). Research: Published in international journals and co-authored books like "Enterprise Governance of IT" and "Governing Digital Transformation" . Leadership: Former Director of Research and Associate Dean at Antwerp Management School (2008–2018). Expertise: IT strategy alignment, digital transformation governance, and COBIT framework development. His work highlights the importance of board-level engagement in IT decisions and the ethical implications of emerging technologies like AI. He collaborates with organizations like PWC and Samsung Belgium to advance sustainable digital practices.
Sophie Manigart is a Full Professor of Corporate Finance at Vlerick Business School and Ghent University. She holds a Master's in Electronic Engineering and a PhD in Management from Ghent University, with additional training in General Management from Vlerick. Her primary research focuses on venture capital, private equity, business angels, and crowdfunding, with emphasis on entrepreneurial finance's real-world applications. As an educator, she teaches across Masters, MBA, and executive programs, co-developing online courses like FAST and Finance Essentials with colleagues Mathieu Luypaert and Wouter De Maeseneire. She also serves as a guest professor at ESMT Berlin and TIAS Netherlands, alongside past roles at London Business School and IE Spain. Her advisory work includes roles on the investment committee of the Baekeland Fund and boards of AXA Belgium, BW Ryhove, Ovinto, and EnergyVision. She co-founded Belgium's first business angel network, BAN Vlaanderen, and advises governments and organizations like InvestEurope and the European Parliament on financial policy. In academic leadership, she serves as an Associate Editor for Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice and editorial board member for Journal of Business Venturing , Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal , and Venture Capital Journal .
Stijn Viaene is a Full Professor at KU Leuven and Partner at Vlerick Business School, specializing in digital transformation, IT management, and business process innovation. He holds a Doctorate in Information Systems Management from KU Leuven and serves as Programme Director of Take The Lead. His research focuses on leveraging technology (big data, AI, blockchain) for enterprise digitalization, with a strong emphasis on leadership, agility, and business-IT alignment. He is the author of Digital Transformation Know How: Connecting digital transformation, agility and leadership and teaches across MBA, Executive Development, and Digital Leadership programs. Recent work explores AI-driven leadership, blockchain platforms for sustainability, and intra-organizational labor platforms. He also serves as Jury President for the Data News Awards and Board Member at Herita vzw. Education: Doctor in Information Systems Management (KU Leuven). Research interests include digital innovation ecosystems, process management, and governance frameworks for digital value creation. His articles address topics such as ambidextrous ERP systems, paradox management in transformations, and open innovation in public administration. Advising & Grants: Involved in multiple industry-public sector collaborations. Notable projects include blockchain-based water trade platforms and frameworks for sustainable digital ecosystems. His work bridges academic research with practical business applications through case-based teaching and action design research methodologies. Labs/Teams: Active in Vlerick’s Digital Transformation and IT Management research groups, contributing to initiatives like the Digital Leadership programme and strategic consulting for global organizations.
Philippe Baecke is a Professor of Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at Vlerick Business School, where he also serves as Programme Director for the Master in Business Analytics & AI and two executive programmes. He holds adjunct roles as Lecturer at Trinity Business School, Ireland, and Professor at the University of Namur. He earned his Doctorate in Applied Economics from Ghent University, complemented by an Advanced Master and Master in Applied Economics, both from Ghent University. His research focuses on leveraging big data analytics across marketing, operations, and finance, with specialties in digital marketing, customer relationship management, and network analysis. Notable areas include ad targeting, spatial modeling, and the application of AI in call center optimization and emotion recognition. He advises companies like KBC, ING, and Telenet on data strategy, blending strategic and operational insights. His recent work explores digital transformation trends, cost-effective AI adoption for SMEs, and the integration of human judgment in forecasting systems. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, addressing topics like telecom data monetization, churn detection, and consumer privacy in addressable TV advertising. Baecke’s expertise also extends to vehicle telematics in insurance risk selection and spatial econometrics in customer acquisition modeling. He has collaborated on projects involving Bluetooth tracking in retail environments and the analysis of urbanization effects on customer behavior.
Steve Muylle is a Full Professor of Digital Strategy and Business Marketing at Vlerick Business School and Ghent University, and serves as Associate Dean Digital Learning. His expertise spans digital transformation, B2B marketing, and leveraging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT. He holds a Doctor in Business Engineering from Solvay Management School and has held visiting roles at SMU’s Cox School of Business and Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School. Education: PhD in Business Engineering (Solvay Management School) Visiting Doctoral Researcher (Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University) Research Interests: Digital strategy, B2B customer experience, AI-driven marketing, and digital innovation frameworks. His work emphasizes actionable insights for executives in sectors like energy, healthcare, and finance. Recent trends in his publications focus on agentic marketing, VR in education, and competitive digital innovation. Impact: Designs executive programs like the Digital Strategy Open Programme and the Executive Master Class in B2B Marketing/Sales. Recognized for contributions to digital learning and open banking strategies. Board member at multiple firms.
Adelaida Afilipoaie is a postdoctoral researcher at the School of Communication Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , focusing on media policy, innovation, and European integration. Her work bridges academic research with EU regulatory frameworks. Research Themes : Media freedom and pluralism policies Digital platform regulation Audiovisual market dynamics AI ethics in journalism Her recent publications address the European Media Freedom Act , AI integration in newsrooms , and due prominence requirements for public service media. She actively collaborates with institutions like the European Union and participates in international conferences such as Media and Communication Studies Seminars . Her research spans interdisciplinary fields including media economics, policy analysis, and digital ethics.
Elise Delhaise is a Lecturer at the University of Namur's Faculty of Law and affiliated with the Namur Digital Institute and Centre de Recherche Information, Droit et Societe. Her work spans criminal law, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism frameworks within European and Belgian contexts. Her research focuses on: Criminal procedure adaptations during exceptional circumstances (particularly counter-terrorism) Digital-era legal challenges including revenge porn, hospital cybersecurity, and AI ethics Gender-based violence legislation and victim protection mechanisms Professional secrecy in healthcare and cross-institutional data sharing Recent publications analyze evolving jurisprudence in Belgian criminal courts, hospital cyber vulnerabilities, and European counter-terrorism cooperation. Notable activities include conference participation on criminal code reform (2023), AI ethics workshops (2024), and expert media commentary on child rights, terrorism aftermath, and pandemic restrictions. She contributes to the Centre Vulnerabilites et societes research collective examining societal security challenges.
Dirk Buyens is a Full Professor of Human Resources Management at Ghent University and a Partner and Director of Open Executive Education Programmes at Vlerick Business School. He serves as Co-Director of the Centre of Excellence for Strategic Talent Management at Vlerick and as International Dean for the Beijing International MBA at Peking University. With over 25 years of experience, he is recognized as one of Belgium's most influential academic HR thinkers by Belgian business weekly Trends. Education: Doctor in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at Ghent University MBA at KU Leuven Professor Buyens' research focuses on strategic human resources management, with particular expertise in strategic talent management, career management, and organizational structuring. His work bridges academic theory and practical application, helping students, executives, and companies optimize people management strategies. He emphasizes personal mastery and career self-management as critical components of organizational success, with a strong focus on aligning HR practices with business strategy. His approach integrates cutting-edge research with real-world applications, making his insights particularly valuable for organizations navigating complex talent challenges. An analysis of his recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a consistent focus on talent management, career development, and the evolving HR landscape. His work examines graduate career perspectives, digital transformation's impact on HR, DEI initiatives, and leadership development. Buyens' research demonstrates how organizations can adapt HR practices to turbulent times while maintaining strategic alignment and employee engagement. His publications consistently address practical challenges faced by modern organizations, providing evidence-based solutions for talent acquisition, development, and retention in rapidly changing business environments. Recognition: Identified as one of the most influential academic HR thinkers by Belgian business weekly Trends Professor Buyens has extensive advisory experience, having worked with organizations including the Ministry of the Flemish Community, Umicore, BASF, Oracle, BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC, Federal Government (FOD), Beneo, and ASAP nv. His executive education programs at Vlerick Business School have trained numerous professionals in strategic HR approaches. He also serves as CEO of Great Place to Work Institute Belgium, connecting his academic work with practical workplace excellence initiatives. This dual role allows him to ground his academic research in real organizational challenges while ensuring his teaching remains immediately applicable to business leaders. At Vlerick Business School, he co-directs the Centre of Excellence for Strategic Talent Management, which serves as a hub for research, executive education, and consultancy in strategic talent management. The Centre focuses on developing cutting-edge approaches to talent identification, development, and retention, working closely with organizations to implement evidence-based talent strategies. Through this center and his various academic roles, Buyens continues to shape HR theory and practice in Belgium and internationally.
Marc Jegers is a Professor at the Department of Applied Economics , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , with a focus on nonprofit organization management and health economics. He leads the Interuniversity Center for Health Economics Research (I-CHER) collaboration between VUB and Ghent University. Research areas: Nonprofit organizations, volunteer management, social enterprises, and governance Key projects: International collaborations on volunteer-staff integration, EU-China business dynamics, and nonprofit resilience His recent publications emphasize nonprofit governance , volunteer economics , and antitrust policy . He has supervised over 20 master's theses on topics ranging from corporate volunteering to digital volunteer platforms. 2025: Nominated for Antitrust Writing Awards (4x) 2024: Resilience framework for nonprofits 2023: Antitrust event stock price analysis As a regular conference presenter, he contributes to debates on nonprofit workforce alignment and voluntourism ethics. His work bridges academic research with practical management guidelines for the third sector.
Martin Butler is a Professor of Management Practice in Digital Transformation at Vlerick Business School, with additional roles as an Extraordinary Professor at Stellenbosch Business School (South Africa), Visiting Professor at the American University in Cairo (Egypt), and Visiting Lecturer at NUI Galway (Ireland). His expertise spans digital transformation, digital resilience, project portfolio management, and technology futures. He holds a PhD and MBA from Stellenbosch University. Research Interests: Focuses on aligning information systems with strategic goals, digital resilience frameworks, and optimizing project management practices to drive organizational innovation. His work emphasizes leadership's role in mitigating digital transformation risks through behavioral and cultural interventions. Professional Background: Prior to academia, Butler spent 15 years in IT industry leadership roles, transitioning into academia as Head of Teaching and Learning at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. He currently advises industry on digital and IT project management, serves as a non-executive director on corporate boards, and consults for academia and industry. Key Contributions: His recent articles analyze digital resilience in mobile payments, Web3.0/Metaverse business applications, and project portfolio management practices. He critiques e-assessment methodologies and explores cybersecurity behaviors in IT/non-IT staff. Grants & Collaborations: While specific grants are not listed, his consulting work and board roles suggest active industry-academia partnerships. His research frequently aligns with enterprise project success metrics and IT governance frameworks. Education: PhD and MBA from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Prof. Dr. Katelijn Quartier is a Professor of Retail Design at the Faculty of Architecture and Arts, Hasselt University, Belgium. As founder and academic director of the Retail Design Lab, she leads research into future retail environments, emphasizing design's role in enhancing consumer experiences while aligning with brand values. Her work bridges academic insights with practical applications, addressing challenges like sustainability, sensory engagement, and omnichannel strategies. Key research focuses include experience-driven retail design, sustainable store practices, and the impact of lighting on consumer behavior. She developed the REXS (Retail Experience Scan) tool to evaluate store experience levels, contextualized across brands like Zeeman and Rituals. Collaborations with retailers and designers aim to optimize shopping environments without over-engineering, ensuring solutions match brand DNA. Her academic contributions span educational frameworks for retail design competencies and interdisciplinary training programs. She advocates for ethical boundaries in design advisory roles, focusing on strategic guidance over direct design execution. Recent projects explore phygital retail integration, circular economy applications, and the use of eye-tracking technology to understand consumer behavior. Publications highlight trends in retail innovation, educational pedagogy, and the interplay between design and brand communication. Her work underscores the importance of balancing experiential elements with practicality, ensuring retail environments reflect core brand values while driving customer engagement.
Prof. Inge Derom is a prominent academic at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Faculty of Movement and Sport Sciences. Her work focuses on sports policy, event impact analysis, and social inclusion through sport. She holds a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia and an MA in Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor. Her research explores topics such as Olympic legacy, volunteer management, and the societal value of elite sport. Notable projects include analyzing hosting policies across Europe and evaluating the social impact of major events like the Tour de France and World Cycling Championships. She has received the Gaston Beunen VBSW-award (2021) for her contributions to sport science. Key affiliations: VUB's SPLISS research group, Flemish sports policy advisory roles Leadership: Principal investigator for 14 funded projects since 2018 Media engagement: Regular contributor on sport-related social issues for Belgian media Her recent work emphasizes gender equality in sport and designing actionable policies for clubs through tools like the Football & Social Responsibility (FSR) guidelines. She supervises interdisciplinary research teams addressing sport's role in prisons, urban development, and youth empowerment.
Zhengwen Qi serves as an unpaid employee at the EU-China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE) within the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Holding a PhD in Educational Science, Qi focuses on evidence-based decision-making frameworks for enhancing internationalization strategies in higher education institutions across diverse institutional contexts. Qi's educational foundation includes a doctoral degree in Educational Science, supporting research examining how higher education leaders align internationalization initiatives with core institutional missions of education, research, and societal impact. This academic background enables rigorous investigation into contextual factors influencing global cooperation. Research interests are systematically organized around: Strategic leadership development for internationalization Evidence-based policy formulation in transnational education EU-China higher education cooperation frameworks Virtual internationalization through digital governance Institutional logics in post-pandemic academic collaboration Analysis of recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a cohesive research trajectory examining internationalization through leadership and institutional lenses, with increasing emphasis on virtual collaboration models and EU-China partnerships. Methodologically, the work integrates Actor-Network Theory and Institutional Logics frameworks within qualitative research designs, demonstrating consistent scholarly productivity across multiple peer-reviewed outlets. No scientific awards were documented in the available source materials. Information regarding student supervision, grant funding, or teaching responsibilities was not provided in the source documentation. Qi maintains active affiliation with the EU-China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE), a specialized transnational unit facilitating comparative research between European and Chinese higher education systems. This center serves as the primary operational hub for Qi's collaborative investigations into internationalization dynamics.
