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Prof. Maja Horst is a Visiting Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the Department of Science, Technology and Society (STS) at Technical University of Munich. She holds a PhD in Science Communication from Copenhagen Business School (2003) and has held academic roles including Head of the Department of Media, Cognition and Communication at the University of Copenhagen (2011–2014) and Professor of Responsible Technology at DTU Technical University of Denmark (2019). Her research focuses on public communication of science, societal responsibility in technology, and innovation governance. She chairs DTU’s Responsible Technology group and is a member of the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences. Key roles include Chair of the Danish Independent Research Fund Board and President of the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST). Education: MA in Social Science and Communication, Roskilde University (1996) PhD in Science Communication, Copenhagen Business School (2003) Research Interests: Public communication of controversial technologies Social responsibility in science and technology Innovation governance and ethics Sociology of science and technology Recent Focus: Her work emphasizes interactive installations for science communication and co-creation in energy transitions. Over 20+ publications address topics like gene editing ethics, public debate frameworks, and trust in science. Awards: 2021: Hans Fischer Senior Fellowship (TUM-IAS) 2019: Danish Science Minister’s Communication Prize Leadership & Service: President, European Association for the Study of Science and Technology Chair, Danish Independent Research Fund Board

• Public communication about technology
• Values and social responsibility in technology development
• Innovation and science communication
• +3 more

Stefan Schaltegger is Professor for Sustainability Management at the Centre for Sustainability Management (CSM) at Leuphana University Lüneburg. With over two decades of research experience, he is a globally recognized scholar in sustainability management, corporate sustainability, and environmental accounting. His work bridges academic research with practical business applications, influencing sustainability practices across multiple industries. Professor for Sustainability Management at Leuphana University Lüneburg Director of the Centre for Sustainability Management (CSM) Extensive publication record in top sustainability journals Regular contributor to policy discussions on sustainability Professor Schaltegger's research focuses on sustainability management systems, corporate sustainability strategy, environmental accounting, sustainable business models, and sustainability transitions. His work examines how organizations can effectively integrate sustainability into core operations, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, sustainability performance measurement, and the development of compelling business cases for sustainability. He has pioneered research on sustainability management accounting, rebound effects in sustainability initiatives, and the role of change agents in corporate sustainability transformations. His research spans both theoretical development and practical application, making significant contributions to how businesses understand and implement sustainability. His recent publications reveal an evolving research trajectory with increasing focus on systemic sustainability challenges. Schaltegger has shifted from foundational work on sustainability management accounting toward more complex issues like environmental rebound effects, sustainability transformations, and regenerative business practices. His 2023-2025 publications show growing attention to climate change responses, biodiversity conservation, and the role of service innovation in sustainability transformations. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in publications spanning business strategy, environmental science, accounting, and policy journals. Ranked among the world's top 2% scientists in the Stanford study (2020) Best Young Researcher of the Year at Leuphana University Lüneburg (2010) IFAC PAIB Committee Research award for "article of merit" (2003) Professor Schaltegger actively mentors doctoral students and early-career researchers, though specific student names aren't listed in the provided materials. His research is supported by numerous projects including "TrICo Subproject: Community Sustainable Production," "Account4GreenEco," and "Hochschulen in Gesellschaft – Realexperimente transformativer Lern- und Forschungsprozesse für eine Kultur der Nachhaltigkeit an Hochschulen." His work demonstrates strong industry engagement through collaborations with businesses implementing sustainability practices. The Centre for Sustainability Management (CSM), which Schaltegger leads, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary sustainability research, education, and practice. The CSM coordinates multiple research projects including the Innovation Network aiming at Sustainable Smartphones (INaS) and works closely with industry partners to develop practical sustainability solutions. The center's activities span research, education, and transfer, reflecting Schaltegger's commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and business practice in sustainability.

• Sustainability Management
• Corporate Sustainability
• Environmental Accounting
• +5 more

Steffi Haag is a Professor of Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Institute of Computer Science , Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) . She bridges the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Business Administration and Economics , collaborating with the Center for Entrepreneurship Düsseldorf (CEDUS) to inspire tech startups. Her research focuses on sustainable information systems, digital experiences, and business models. Steffi Haag’s research integrates Shadow IT , Usable Cybersecurity , and Digital Idea Management . Her work emphasizes theoretical , quantitative , qualitative , and mixed-methods research , including experimental and survey methodologies. Steffi Haag’s publications (2018–2024) span Information Systems , Cybersecurity , Digital Twins , and Sustainable Design . Common themes include Shadow IT dynamics , user behavior in security , and innovation management . Hermann Gutmann Award for special scientific achievements (2023) Schöller Fellow (2020) HMD Best Paper Award (2018) Research Award in Data Protection and Data Security (2017) Dissertation Prize (2017) Steffi Haag has secured grants such as the TU Darmstadt Postdoctoral Fellowship for Female Researchers (2016–2018) and Deloitte Foundation Fellowship (2009–2011). She actively moderates conferences and serves as Associate Editor of Business & Information Systems Engineering .

• Digital Innovation
• Digital Business Models
• Shadow IT
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Frank T. Piller is a University Professor and Co-Leader of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) at RWTH Aachen University, where he also serves as Academic Director of the Executive MBA program at RWTH Business School. He leads a research team of approximately 30 doctoral students, 5 postdocs, and over 20 student researchers within the TIME Research Area of the School of Business and Economics. His educational background includes a doctoral degree in Operations Management from the University of Würzburg (1999) and a Habilitation degree from TUM Business School (2004) on "Innovation and Value Co-Creation." Prior to joining RWTH Aachen in 2007, he was a Research Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management and faculty at TUM Business School. Prof. Piller is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in customer-centered value creation, specializing in mass customization, personalization, and customer co-creation. His current research focuses on how established companies can transform in response to disruptive business model innovations, with particular emphasis on digital transformation (Industry 4.0), AI-augmented innovation, and sustainable business models. He is particularly known for his work on innovation ecosystems, platform-based business models, and stakeholder-oriented technology development. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward integrating artificial intelligence with traditional innovation management frameworks, exploring how AI transforms manufacturing systems, innovation processes, and business models. His work increasingly addresses the challenges of digital transformation in established industries while maintaining focus on customer co-creation and mass customization principles. His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: Co-Creation Award of the PDMA Nomination for "Innovating Innovation" Prize by Harvard Business Review and McKinsey "Lecturer of the Year" by Executive MBA students at TU Munich RWTH Aachen Rector's Prize for Excellent Teaching (since 2010) Grant for innovative "Flipping the Classroom" teaching concept ERC Synergy Grant for SAFER Grid project (2025-2031) Prof. Piller maintains an extensive research network spanning academia and industry. He collaborates with numerous corporations including 3M, Adidas, BASF, EON, J&J, P&G, Siemens, and Vodafone, as well as many technology startups across Europe and North America. As a co-founder, supervisory board member, and investor in innovative startups, he actively transfers research into practice. His research has received significant funding, most notably the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant for the SAFER Grid project. He leads the Technology and Innovation Management Group (TIM) within the TIME Research Area at RWTH Aachen, which comprises over 100 senior and junior researchers working at the intersection of innovation, technology management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The institute is a leading European research institution for strategic, behavioral, and computer-supported technology and innovation management.

• Managing discontinuous business model innovation
• Digital strategies for Industrie 4.0
• Additive Manufacturing
• +11 more

Prof. Dr. Kai Michael Griese is a full professor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences since 2009. He holds a Dr. rer. pol. from TU Chemnitz and has extensive industry experience, including roles at Mars Incorporated and Generali Deutschland. His research emphasizes sustainable business models, climate adaptation, and circular economy, with notable contributions to event sustainability and resilience strategies. He leads the Master's program in International Business Management with a focus on sustainable business models. Key roles include Program Director for the Master's focus on Sustainable Business Models and Climate Adaptation. Griese has been affiliated with institutions like the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE) as a guest professor. His work integrates digitalization and sustainability, addressing challenges in logistics, energy cooperatives, and corporate culture. He has secured grants from the German Federal Environment Foundation (DBU), BMBF, and EU-funded projects like Interreg North Sea Region. Research interests span climate resilience in events, sufficiency-driven marketing, and digital entrepreneurship's role in sustainability. His projects include the KlimaEvent initiative in Bad Essen, exploring climate adaptation for municipalities. He emphasizes practical solutions through VR-based simulations and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Sustainable Business Models
• Climate Adaptation
• Circular Economy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Frank-Martin Belz is a full professor of corporate sustainability at the TUM School of Management and Director of the TUM SEED Center, a global interdisciplinary research hub. His career includes studies in business administration at the University of Mannheim (1990), followed by doctoral and post-doctoral research at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. He has conducted extensive research stays in Sweden, the USA, Canada, and Finland. His research focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship, sustainability marketing, and community-based enterprise creation. He emphasizes integrating social identity theory and structuration theory into entrepreneurial processes, particularly in environmental and social contexts. His work bridges academic theory with practical applications, including innovative approaches to consumer integration in product development and sustainability-driven marketing strategies. Key achievements include the award-winning textbook "Sustainability Marketing: A Global Perspective" (2010) and influential publications on sustainable entrepreneurship models and community-based enterprises. He actively promotes cross-sector collaboration through his leadership at the TUM SEED Center, fostering global partnerships in sustainability research and education.

• Sustainable Entrepreneurship
• Sustainability Marketing
• Corporate Sustainability
• +3 more

Dr. Hannes Petrowsky is a Senior Research Associate at the Chair of Business Psychology, Social Psychology & Experimental Methods at Leuphana University of Lüneburg. He earned his M.Sc. in Management & Marketing (2017-2019) and completed his Ph.D. on first-offer effects in negotiations (2020-2023). Academic Affiliation: Institute for Management & Organization (IMO) Location: Universitätsallee 1, C6.419, Lüneburg Contact: hannes.petrowsky@leuphana.de | +49.4131.677-1437 His research spans negotiation psychology , consumer behavior , and the impact of digital technologies (e.g., big data, machine learning, AI, VR). He investigates anchoring effects, price-ending strategies, and socially innovative transformations through inclusive working environments. Key Trends in Recent Publications: Analysis of concession patterns in negotiations using behavioral economics principles Development of immersive VR frameworks for skill acquisition Behavioral science-driven interventions for climate change mitigation Meta-analyses of negotiation dynamics across 25-26 million real-world transactions Exploration of technology adoption in public health contexts Dr. Petrowsky contributes to projects like the Digital Transformation Lab and MEHRCE (circular economy initiatives). His work bridges experimental psychology with digital innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship .

• Business Psychology
• Negotiation Dynamics
• Behavioral Economics
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Gielnik is a Professor of Psychology, specializing in Entrepreneurship at Leuphana University of Lüneburg's Institute for Management & Organization (IMO), within the Faculty of Management and Technology. His research focuses on action-oriented entrepreneurship training, sustainable entrepreneurial behavior, and entrepreneurship in developing countries. He holds a PhD from Leuphana University (2010) and a Diplom in Psychology from Justus Liebig University Giessen (2005). His work has been published in journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology and Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice . Key research interests include entrepreneurial processes, training methodologies, and cross-cultural entrepreneurship. He leads the STEP Entrepreneurship Training Program and collaborates internationally on initiatives like the DAAD-funded International Joint Master’s in Work and Organizational Psychology. Awards include the 2024 Impact Award (shared), 2014 FGF Sustainable Entrepreneurship Research Award, and recognition for his 2011 doctoral dissertation. He has held visiting fellowships at institutions like the National University of Singapore and the University of Sydney. Teaching focuses on entrepreneurship, business psychology, and innovation management. He advises on projects addressing social innovation, circular economy (e.g., MEHRCE), and inclusive workplaces. Active in academic governance, he serves on editorial boards, including as Field Editor for Journal of Business Venturing .

• Entrepreneurship
• Sustainable Entrepreneurship
• Action-Oriented Training
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Mona Mensmann is an Associate Professor of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cologne , School of Business and Social Sciences. Her research bridges entrepreneurship with psychology, focusing on entrepreneurial mindset, proactive behavior, and training curricula. Current: Associate Professor (W2), University of Cologne (2021–) Previous: Associate/Assistant Professor at Warwick Business School (2018–2021) Education: PhD in Psychology, Leuphana University (2013–2017); MSc in Psychology, University of Heidelberg (2011–2013) Mensmann’s research explores the psychological foundations of entrepreneurship, including the impact of cognitive traits (e.g., ADHD, need for cognition) on entrepreneurial intentions and outcomes. She emphasizes personal initiative training as a tool for poverty reduction and sustainable business development, particularly in West Africa and developing economies. Her publications span peer-reviewed journals like Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice and Science , focusing on topics such as sleep quality’s influence on founders, training program effectiveness, and lifespan entrepreneurship. She has also contributed to academic book chapters and conference proceedings.

• Innovation Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Psychology of Entrepreneurship
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Nils Stieglitz is a distinguished Professor of Strategy at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management since 2012 and serves as President & CEO since 2018. He leads the Management Department (2015–2018) and held the Executive Board role as Vice President Corporate Development (2017–2018). His research spans Strategic decision-making Organizational adaptation Human-agent interaction across dynamic environments. His scholarly work appears in top-tier journals like Strategic Management Journal , Management Science , and Organization Science , focusing on complex organizational trade-offs, incentive design, and scenario planning. He also contributes strategic insights to global media outlets such as Harvard Business Review and The Economist . As Senior Editor at the Journal of Organization Design and editorial board member of Organization Science , he shapes discourse on organizational theory. His teaching emphasizes strategy formulation and organizational design principles.

• Strategic Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Decision-Making
• +3 more

Uwe Cantner is a Full Professor of Economics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and holds a professorship at the University of Southern Denmark/Odense. He has held significant roles such as Vice President for Young Researchers and Diversity Management at FSU Jena (2014–2024), Chairman of the German Federal Government's Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI), and Spokesman of the DFG-GRK 1411 Research Training Group. His work focuses on the economics of innovation, evolutionary economics, industrial economics, productivity measurement, and public finance. Education : Dipl.oec. in Business Administration/Economics (1985) from University of Augsburg; MA in Economics (1984) from Wayne State University; Dr.oec.publ. (1990) and Dr.rer.pol.habil. (1996) from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. Cantner's research bridges theoretical and empirical analyses of innovation systems, technological sovereignty, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. He has contributed to debates on missions-oriented innovation policy, productivity dynamics in global value chains, and the role of institutional transparency in regional development. His recent publications analyze industrial policy frameworks (2023), digitalization challenges in European higher education (2022), and corruption-innovation linkages (2020). Articles span evolutionary economics, environmental economics, and policy analysis, with cross-cutting themes in sustainability, governance, and regional development. Cantner actively shapes academic discourse as President of the International Joseph A. Schumpeter Society (since 2015) and editorial roles in journals like the Journal of Evolutionary Economics . He has directed graduate programs and contributed to EU energy transition research through expert surveys.

• Economics of Innovation
• Evolutionary Economics
• Industrial Economics
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Dirk Holtbrügge is a Professor and Holder of the Chair of Business Administration, especially International Management at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). He serves as Dean for International Affairs of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences and is jointly responsible for the department's MBA program design. His academic journey began at the University of Dortmund where he studied economics and social sciences from 1983 to 1989, earning his doctorate in 1995 and habilitation in 2000. Prof. Holtbrügge's research focuses on management in multinational corporations, intercultural management research, management in emerging markets (particularly China, India, and Russia), international human resource management, and corporate social and environmental responsibility. His work demonstrates a strong emphasis on practical applications through numerous case studies of German multinational corporations operating globally. His recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a growing focus on sustainability in international business, corporate social responsibility in challenging contexts, and the complexities of internationalization strategies across diverse industries. The research shows particular attention to German companies expanding into emerging markets and navigating cultural differences. Listed in Handelsblatt rankings of 2010, 2012, and 2014 as one of the leading business economists in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Listed in Wirtschaftswoche rankings of 2019 and 2022 as one of the leading business economists Listed as one of the top 2% most cited scientists in 2020 in Stanford University's Top 2 Percent Scientists list Prof. Holtbrügge maintains strong connections with industry through numerous case studies and collaborative research projects. His position as Dean for International Affairs reflects his commitment to fostering global academic partnerships and developing international business education programs. He has undertaken numerous teaching and research visits worldwide, including in China, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, and the USA, enriching his practical understanding of international business challenges.

• International Management
• Management in Multinational Corporations
• Intercultural Management Research
• +4 more

Tim Schweisfurth is a Full Professor in Organizational Design and Collaboration Engineering at the School of Management Sciences and Technology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Germany. He previously served as an Associate Professor in High-Tech Business at the University of Twente and in Technology and Innovation Management at the University of Southern Denmark. He received his PhD from TUHH and his venia legendi from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, with key themes including digital and technology-driven innovation, idea generation and evaluation, and distributed and collaborative innovation. His work has been published in leading journals such as Research Policy , Strategic Management Journal , Organization Science , and Creativity and Innovation Management . His recent publications reflect a strong trend in understanding how organizational structures, digital platforms, and user involvement influence innovation outcomes. Topics include internal crowdfunding, idea evaluation biases, user innovation, and Industry 4.0 adoption in SMEs, indicating a deep engagement with both theoretical and applied aspects of innovation management. Editor-in-Chief, Creativity and Innovation Management Advisory Editor, Research Policy He has collaborated with major companies such as Siemens, Osram, Audi, Panasonic, and EWE in both research and consulting. He has advised on innovation strategies and digital transformation, contributing to real-world applications of his research. His work has not explicitly mentioned grants, but his extensive industry collaborations suggest strong project funding and engagement. He leads the research group on Organizational Design and Collaboration Engineering at TUHH, which investigates collaborative innovation, digital platforms, and employee-driven innovation. The team engages in both empirical and theoretical research, often using large datasets and field experiments to understand innovation dynamics in organizations.

• Innovation Management
• Technology-Driven Innovation
• Digital Innovation
• +7 more

Karin Kreutzer is Professor of Social Business at EBS Business School, EBS University of Business and Law, holding the Chair of Social Business while serving as Head of the Impact Institute and Vice Dean of Research. Her academic leadership bridges theoretical rigor with practical social impact through extensive engagement with social enterprises and nonprofit organizations. Her educational foundation includes a doctorate from the University of St. Gallen complemented by studies at Bocconi University, Universities of Passau and Parma, and a visiting scholar position at ESADE Business School in Barcelona. This diverse academic background informs her interdisciplinary approach to social business research. Professor Kreutzer's research program centers on social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, strategic NGO-corporate partnerships, and nonprofit strategic management, employing qualitative methodologies to dissect organizational identity dynamics and hybrid institutional logics. Her work reveals how social enterprises navigate inherent tensions between social missions and business sustainability, particularly during scaling phases and organizational transitions. Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications shows evolving focus on age-diverse volunteer teamwork, discursive construction of social entrepreneurship in pitch contexts, and career transitions of corporate managers entering nonprofit sectors. These studies consistently appear in premier outlets like Academy of Management Journal , Journal of Management Studies , and Journal of Business Ethics , demonstrating methodological sophistication and theoretical contribution. She actively translates research into practice through board memberships in social enterprises and advisory roles for nonprofits and public sector entities. Her teaching spans bachelor's, master's, MBA, and PhD programs covering business administration, CSR, social entrepreneurship, and qualitative research methods. As Head of the Impact Institute, she directs a research hub fostering social innovation through academic-practitioner collaboration, with current projects examining organizational responses to human rights challenges during conflicts and sustainability managers' moral engagement.

• Social Entrepreneurship
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Strategic Partnerships between Companies and NGOs
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Sven Heidenreich is a full Professor of Business Administration, specializing in Technology and Innovation Management at the University of Saarland. He leads an active research group and holds a prominent position in the German-speaking academic community, with consistent recognition in national and international rankings. University: University of Saarland Department: Business Administration Research Focus: Technology and Innovation Management Email: sven.heidenreich@uni-saarland.de His research centers on innovation processes, particularly consumer integration, co-creation, resistance to innovation, and sustainable business models. He employs a quantitative-empirical approach to study individual and organizational aspects of innovation, with applications in digital services, video games, and green innovation. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in understanding consumer behavior in innovation contexts, including greenwashing, leapfrogging, co-creation, and the role of personality in entrepreneurial success. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Journal of Product Innovation Management , R&D Management , and Technological Forecasting and Social Change . Top 0.5% researcher worldwide in Innovation Management (ScholarGPS 2024) JPIM Outstanding Reviewer Award 2023 Multiple appearances in WirtschaftsWoche Economist Rankings (2018–2024) Finalist, Best Paper Award, IRCSM 2024 Prof. Heidenreich supervises doctoral researchers and has led significant research projects, including the DFG-funded TRIP project on integrating different consumer types into new product development. His team includes postdocs, junior professors, and scientific staff, indicating active mentorship and collaborative research. He also collaborates with researchers across Europe and beyond. He leads the DFG project TRIP and has secured funding from major German research bodies. His lab focuses on empirical studies involving consumer panels, student experiments, and idea competitions to validate innovation theories in realistic settings.

• Technology and Innovation Management
• Business Model Innovation
• Consumer Integration in Innovation
• +12 more