Christian Grönroos is Professor of Marketing at Hanken School of Economics, recognized among the top marketing researchers globally. His pioneering work established service marketing theory and the service logic paradigm. Research focuses on value co-creation frameworks, relationship marketing evolution, and service-driven business model innovation. Publications have transformed understanding of customer management and service productivity. Awards include the Don Schultz Award (2025) and AMS-Parasuraman Best Paper Award. Recent work examines service-informed marketing reform and employee alignment in brand promise co-creation.
Sascha Struwe serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalborg University Business School within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, actively contributing to the International Business Research Group. Based at Fibigerstræde 11 in Aalborg Øst, Denmark, Struwe operates at the intersection of service innovation theory and business practice with international focus. Research expertise centers on service innovation , value co-creation , and digital servitization , particularly examining B2B contexts and open banking ecosystems. Work consistently explores institutional influences through German-Chinese case studies, addressing how cultural and regulatory frameworks shape service design. Recent trajectories reveal evolution from foundational service design challenges (2019-2021) toward digital transformation implications (2022-2023), with emphasis on value co-destruction mechanisms in financial ecosystems. Struwe led the PhD project Innovating the Invisible and Intangible: Value Creation in B2B service (2018-2021) investigating co-creation capabilities across industrial sectors. Academic engagement includes conference participation at EIBA and CICALICS events, plus a visiting researcher appointment at Fudan University's Nordic Centre (2019-2020). Current work continues through the International Business Research Group, focusing on digital literacies and service ecosystem resilience.
Mathias Funk is an Associate Professor in the Industrial Design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading the Things Ecology lab. His research focuses on designing with data and systems behavior, particularly in IoT and medical technology contexts. He co-founded UXsuite GmbH and developed the OOCSI communication framework. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from TU/e (2011), Funk has held academic roles since 2013, including postdoctoral positions in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design. He teaches courses like 'Data-enabled design' and supervises projects on AI, data foundry, and OOCSI applications. His work bridges engineering and design, addressing sustainability and human values through systemic design approaches. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, TU/e (2011) Computer Science background from RWTH Aachen Postdoc at TU/e's Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design departments Research Interests: Data-driven design methodologies, IoT systems, medical technology innovation, sustainable design practices, and interactive systems for musical expression. Recent work emphasizes telemonitoring efficacy in heart failure care and federated learning applications. Awards: Best Paper Award (2014) Honorable Mention (2021) Grants/Projects: Leading initiatives like MEDICAID (medtech solutions), ACACIA (interpretable AI), and Data-Driven Servitizing in Professional Printing. Active in clinical workflow prototyping and cardiovascular disease detection projects. Lab Activities: Manages the Things Ecology lab, focusing on systemic design challenges in smart ecosystems. Collaborates internationally through spin-offs and visiting lectureships.
Christian Kowalkowski is Assistant Professor of Marketing at Hanken School of Economics, affiliated with the Centre for Relationship Marketing and Service Management (CERS) in Helsinki. He obtained his PhD in 2008 from Linköping University and holds adjunct professorships in Industrial Marketing and Service Management. His research focuses on service infusion in product firms, relationship dynamics in B2B contexts, service innovation frameworks, solutions marketing strategies, and value-creation methodologies. His work bridges theoretical concepts with practical business applications. Kowalkowski's publications primarily explore the evolution of service-oriented business models, technological impacts on service operations, and pricing strategy development. His research demonstrates consistent focus on service ecosystem development and organizational transformation. Awards recognizing his scholarly contributions include: The Service Industries Journal Best Paper Award (2014) Emerald Citations of Excellence (2015) Literati Network Award for Excellence (2012) Månadens forskare (Researcher of the Month, 2011) He serves in editorial roles for multiple journals including Journal of Services Marketing and Industrial Marketing Management , and participates in PhD supervision and examination committees.
Professor Daniel Eyers is a Professor of Manufacturing Systems Management at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University , where he also serves as Director of Quality Assurance & Enhancement. He is co-director of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMSAC) and Cardiff University RemakerSpace , highlighting his leadership in sustainable and advanced manufacturing innovation. Professor of Manufacturing Systems Management, Cardiff University (2024–present) Co-Director, Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMSAC) (2024–present) Co-Director, Cardiff University RemakerSpace (2020–present) External Advisor, Open University (2022–present) His research focuses on the strategic management of advanced manufacturing technologies , particularly Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) , within operations and supply chain contexts. He explores how digital technologies enhance supply chain flexibility, sustainability, and performance. His work spans flexible manufacturing systems, servitization, and change management in industrial settings. His recent publications (2020–2025) reveal a strong trajectory in AI-human collaboration in decision-making , sustainable manufacturing , urban logistics , and the integration of 3D printing in circular economies. Themes include risk management, digital transformation, and the strategic impact of emerging technologies on operations. He frequently publishes in top-tier journals such as International Journal of Operations and Production Management , Production Planning and Control , and Omega . CEng, Engineering Council (UK) FHEA, Higher Education Academy ESRC Early Career Impact Acceleration Fellowship Daniel Eyers actively supervises PhD, MSc, and MBA students and has attracted over £2.5 million in research funding from research councils, the Welsh Government, and industry. He contributes to academic program design and quality assurance, serving on university committees and as an external examiner for other institutions. He is deeply engaged in applied research with industrial partners, reflecting his background in commercial manufacturing. His leadership in research centers and commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and education underscore his role as a key figure in modern operations management scholarship.
Leid Zejnilovic is an Assistant Professor at Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), where he co-founded the Data Science Knowledge Center and serves as Academic Director, and co-founded the Open and User Innovation Knowledge Center as Scientific Deputy Director. He also co-founded the Patient Innovation platform, enabling patients and caregivers to share self-made healthcare solutions. With a double PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and Católica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics, his career spans over 20 years of international consulting, academic entrepreneurship, and teaching at institutions like Imperial College Business School and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute. PhD in Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Technological Change (Carnegie Mellon University / Catholic University of Portugal, 2014) Master in Engineering and Public Policy (Carnegie Mellon University, 2012) Master in Information Technology (Dzemal Bijedic University, 2007) Bachelor in Telecommunications (University of Sarajevo, 2002) His research focuses on Technology and Innovation Management, Human-Computer Interaction, and data-driven solutions across healthcare, tourism, and education. He has published extensively in journals like California Management Review , PLoS ONE , and Marine Policy , with recent work analyzing big data in tourism, machine learning for oral health, and pandemic impacts on fisheries. As an Associate Editor for Data & Policy Journal , his contributions bridge academic research and real-world applications. Co-founding the Data Science for Social Good Foundation and leading over 100 talks in industry and academia, Zejnilovic's career emphasizes translating innovation into social and economic impact through platforms, policy, and education.
D.J. (David) Langley is a Full Professor of Digital Transformation & Strategy at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Innovation Management and Strategy. He holds concurrent roles as Senior Scientist at TNO and co-chairs the Innovation Ecosystems working group at aioti.eu. His research focuses on digital transformation, strategic management, and healthcare innovation. Langley has led projects across telecom, energy, banking, and public sectors, collaborating with firms like Philips, Rabobank, and the Dutch government. His work emphasizes digital technology's impact on institutional logic and strategic development patterns. He teaches courses on digital roadmapping and technology-driven innovation at the master's level. Key research outputs include frameworks on smart product ecosystems, flexible investment systems using real options valuation, and the role of social media in healthcare. His recent publications address climate change gamification and circular economy principles.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)United States
Dr. Nabil Nasr serves as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He also holds leadership positions as CEO of the REMADE Institute and Member of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Resource Panel (IRP). His academic journey includes a BS from Helwan University (Egypt), M.Eng. from Pennsylvania State University, and MS and PhD from Rutgers University. Dr. Nasr is an internationally-recognized leader in sustainability research with expertise spanning sustainable manufacturing, remanufacturing, circular economy, and sustainable product development. His work emphasizes systems thinking and technological innovation to build regenerative industrial systems. He has pioneered research in value-retention processes, establishing frameworks for remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair, and direct reuse as strategic approaches to resource efficiency. His publication record demonstrates significant contributions to circular economy implementation across multiple sectors. Analysis of his recent work reveals strong focus on practical applications of circular strategies in industrial systems, automotive production, and urban mobility solutions, with emphasis on developing decision support tools and business cases for sustainable practices. Remanufacturing Industries Council 2017 ACE Award Rochester Engineering Society 2017 Engineer of Distinction APRA Asia-Pacific Most Influential Expert on Remanufacturing Award (2016) Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Fellow Dr. Nasr has established numerous research centers and initiatives including the world's first university-based remanufacturing research hub (1997), the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (2002), and the REMADE Institute - the largest recycling and remanufacturing consortium in the United States. His leadership extends to international forums including the UN Environment Programme, World Trade Organization, and OECD, where he influences global sustainability policy.
Prof. Emanuel Gomes is Professor of Strategy and International Business at Nova SBE (Universidade Nova de Lisboa) and Academic Director of Executive Education. With a PhD from Coventry University, he researches M&A, strategic alliances, servitization, and international business. Former Associate Dean for Digital Transformation and Deputy Head at Birmingham Business School. Research contributions : Developed frameworks for acquisition partner selection and post-merger integration Pioneered studies on servitization in emerging economies Authored 50+ peer-reviewed articles in top journals including Journal of International Business Studies Industry engagement : Collaborations with Chatham House, UK Trade and Industry, British Embassy Angola, and multinational corporations including MG Motor.
Dr. Anna Raffoni serves as a Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance at Loughborough Business School, Loughborough University, and holds the strategic role of Programme Lead for Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies). She joined the institution in January 2015 after accumulating academic experience at the University of East Anglia, Cranfield University School of Management, and the University of Bologna, establishing herself as a key contributor to the Accounting and Finance research group. Her academic foundation includes a PhD in Management Accounting (specializing in customer value management) awarded by the University of Florence in 2009, which continues to inform her interdisciplinary research trajectory. Raffoni's scholarly work centers on performance management, business analytics, and strategic management accounting, with publications appearing in premier journals including the European Journal of Operational Research, British Accounting Review, Production, Planning & Control, and Omega. Her research uniquely bridges quantitative operations research methods with accounting frameworks, particularly examining how data analytics transforms traditional performance measurement in banking and service sectors through techniques like machine learning and data envelopment analysis. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2012-2024) reveals a clear evolution toward integrating advanced analytics with performance management systems. She has pioneered multidimensional efficiency measurement in banking branches, explored total cost of ownership in supply chains, and investigated strategic performance measurement adoption, consistently demonstrating how operational research methods solve real-world accounting challenges while advancing theoretical models. Her scientific recognition features the Dean’s Award for Early Career Teacher of the Year (2017), acknowledging her excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate instruction. In her capacity as Programme Lead, Raffoni shapes research strategy and supports faculty development across Business and Management Studies. While specific supervisees and grant details aren't documented in available materials, her leadership role and active publication record indicate substantial engagement in research mentorship and academic community building. She actively collaborates within Loughborough's Accounting and Finance research group, contributing to interdisciplinary projects that address contemporary challenges in financial management through analytical approaches, with emerging work suggesting increasing focus on artificial intelligence applications in performance systems.
Dr. Christian Lerch is a prominent researcher and coordinator at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI in Karlsruhe, specializing in innovation management, industrial transformation, and digitalization. He holds a PhD from Freie Universität Berlin and lectures at Zeppelin University and the University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe, focusing on service economics and business model innovation. His work bridges academic and applied research, emphasizing servitization, Industry 4.0/5.0, and sustainability in manufacturing. Affiliations: Fraunhofer ISI (since 2008), Zeppelin University (lecturer), University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe (lecturer). Education: PhD in Innovation Management from Freie Universität Berlin (2014), studies in Economics Engineering at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Research Interests: His work centers on innovation dynamics in manufacturing industries, digital transformation, AI-readiness, platform-based business models, and resilience strategies. He explores how firms adapt to trends like servitization, Industry 5.0 human-technology synergy, and green economy challenges. Recent studies focus on policy implications of China's industrial strategies and the role of competence management in fostering innovation. Articles Trends: His publications emphasize the interplay between technological advancements and human-centric approaches, particularly in Industry 5.0. Key themes include AI-driven resilience, platformization pathways, and the evolution of production paradigms. He also analyzes digital servitization maturity models and the socio-economic impact of collaborative economy models in manufacturing. Awards: Recognized with a Best Paper Award (2015) for research on digitalization's role in manufacturing's service transformation. Active in professional societies like the Deutsche Gesellschaft für System Dynamics. Grants & Labs: Led projects on AI-readiness, Digital Maturity Checks, and the economic relevance of B2B platforms. Involved in the European Manufacturing Survey (EMS) network. Coordinates the Business Unit Industrial Change and New Business Models at Fraunhofer ISI.
Sophie Isaksson Hallstedt is a Full Professor at Chalmers University of Technology, conducting research in Sustainable Product Development (SPD) with a focus on strategic sustainability integration in product innovation. She holds appointments at both Chalmers and Blekinge Institute of Technology, and serves on international Design Society committees. Key Research Areas: Strategic socio-ecological sustainability, digital decision support tools, circular value chains, and sustainability in emerging technologies. Notable Projects: SUSTAIN (aerospace sustainability), Circular Design Nexus (user behavior analysis), and Digital Materials Ecosystems. Awards & Recognition: Featured in Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) 100-list (2020, 2023). Publications: Over 80 peer-reviewed works demonstrating methods for sustainability maturity assessment, impact evaluation, and progress visualization. Teaching & Education: Developed master's programs and PhD courses in sustainability-driven product development. Collaborates extensively with industry partners like GKN Aerospace and VINNOVA. Current work examines predictive models for user behavior and sustainability implications of additive manufacturing.
Tor Helge Aas is a Professor at the Department of Management and Innovation, School of Business and Law, University of Agder, and holds a part-time position as Professor II at Kristiania University College. He is the Director of the Executive MBA program at UiA and actively contributes to research and teaching in innovation management. His affiliations include the Research Centre for Studies of Innovation for Sustainable Transition (RIST) and the ISPIM Scientific Panel. His research interests focus on innovation management , particularly in digital servitization, service innovation, innovation processes, collaboration for innovation, and management control. He examines how organizations in manufacturing and service sectors transition to service-oriented business models through digital platforms and ecosystem collaboration. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in digital servitization , platform-based innovation , and human-technology interaction in Industry 5.0. His work spans business model innovation, legitimacy in smart services, and coopetition in R&D projects, with a consistent focus on organizational transformation and sustainable innovation. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: No explicit awards mentioned in the text. Advising and Grants: He has supervised Master’s and PhD students (implied through academic roles). Actively involved in Horizon 2020 projects: OpenInnoTrain (Work Package Manager) and REDI program. Research funded by EU frameworks, indicating competitive grant acquisition. Labs and Research Teams: Member of RIST – Research Centre for Studies of Innovation for Sustainable Transition . Active in ISPIM (International Society for Professional Innovation Management) Scientific Panel. Collaborates extensively with researchers like Anne-Laure Mention, Katja Maria Hydle, and Karl Joachim Breunig.
Madis Talmar is an Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) , affiliated with the Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences (ITEM) Group . He holds a Ph.D. from TU/e and a D.Sc. from Aalto University (2018), focusing on organizing innovation in transitioning domains. His teaching includes the Introduction to Technology Entrepreneurship course (425+ students) and the Data Entrepreneurship in Action III at the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science. He has been nominated for the Industria Teaching Award three times (2017–2019). His research centers on innovation ecosystems , open innovation programs , and energy transition dynamics . He pioneered the Ecosystem Pie Model (published in Journal of Business Venturing Design ), a tool for analyzing innovation ecosystems. He supervises 2 PhD students and 1 PDEng, contributing to projects like the SMART-SPACE Interreg initiative . His sectoral expertise spans energy and mobility, with consultancy work for corporations in Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium. Madis has authored over 70 student theses across levels and co-founded three startups. His awards include a nomination for the Best TU/e PhD Dissertation Award (2019) and a Best Paper Award nomination (2019). He also chairs entrepreneurship education initiatives like the 4TU Entrepreneurship Research Network and organizes conferences on topics like regional energy strategy.
Yang Zhao is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Transformation and Business Intelligence at Aston Business School, Aston University. Her research focuses on digital business models, digital innovation, and their implications in healthcare and aging societies. She holds a PhD in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Glasgow and has prior roles at Loughborough University London and the University of Glasgow. Education: PhD in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Glasgow (2011–2016) MSc in International Business and Entrepreneurship, University of Glasgow (2010–2011) Research Interests: Digital transformation, platform business models, healthcare digitalization, and digital divide mitigation. Her work bridges academic theory and industry practice through collaborations with healthcare providers, startups, and governments. Funding & Grants: Co-Investigator on a £7.1M NIHR/UKRI project to decarbonize healthcare systems (2024–2028) Innovate UK-funded KTP projects on virtual production (2024–2026) and eye-care business model innovation (2023–2025) Advising & Labs: Supervises PhD students exploring servitization in healthcare, transportation design, and digital innovation in SMEs. Affiliated with the Advanced Services Group and Centre for Health and Society at Aston.
