Ann-Kristin Zobel

Ann-Kristin Zobel is an Associate Professor of Management at the Institute of Management & Strategy, University of St. Gallen. Her research focuses on strategic management, innovation management, and climate change strategies. She holds a Ph.D. from Maastricht University, where she also completed her Bachelor and Master degrees. Her work explores open innovation ecosystems, net-zero strategies, energy sector transformation, and digitalization-driven sustainability solutions.

Her professional career includes postdoctoral research at the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley) and senior research roles at ETH Zurich’s Department of Management, Technology, and Economics. She teaches courses such as Strategic Management (Bachelor) and Managing Collaborative Innovation for Net-Zero (MUG), emphasizing practical applications of innovation theory.

Zobel’s research projects address complex challenges like co-creating energy sector futures, smart cities, and net-zero transitions. She actively participates in organizations like the Academy of Management, EGOS, and the World Open Innovation Conference (WOIC). Notable awards include the 2022 Abbie Griffin High Impact Award and recognition for her dissertation on open innovation.

Her work bridges theoretical innovation frameworks with real-world applications, particularly in climate policy and digital sustainability. Current affiliations include the NPF 77 ‘Digital Transformation’ project and the Free Electrons Research Project.