Chris Maliepaard

Chris Maliepaard serves as a Teacher researcher at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, with a dual-research trajectory spanning medical engineering (1990s) and contemporary business digitalization. His work bridges technical innovation and practical application across healthcare and SME sectors.

His research interests evolved from medical image processing—focusing on echocardiographic analysis of pediatric cardiac function—to current expertise in digital business transformation. Key domains include:

• Digital servitization in manufacturing SMEs
• Punctuated equilibrium in digital transformation journeys
• Practical implementation frameworks for Brainport-region businesses

This interdisciplinary approach leverages his Electrical Engineering foundation to solve real-world problems.

Publication analysis reveals a distinct career pivot: early works (1993-1997) pioneered automated border detection and right ventricular quantification using MRI/echocardiography for congenital heart disease, while his 2022 research examines Dutch SME growth through digital servitization lenses. This shift reflects applied sciences' industry-responsive ethos.

Maliepaard actively mentors students through industry-collaborative projects, notably supervising 13 Business Administration students in the 2021 Digitalisation of the Brainport MKB initiative. His research is structured through institutional frameworks:

• MKB deal MKB Participeert: SME engagement platform for digital transformation
• WCM Fieldlab SAMEN: Cross-sector innovation laboratory
• TECSpace (2018): BD4MKB knowledge platform for SME digitization

He operates within Fontys' applied research ecosystem, developing practice-oriented solutions for regional businesses while maintaining connections to his engineering roots through medical device analysis methodologies.