Franz-Markus Peschl

Univ.-Prof. Franz-Markus Peschl is Professor of Cognitive Science and Philosophy of Science at the University of Vienna's Department of Philosophy within the Faculty of Philosophy and Education. He serves as Vice-Director of Studies for the Philosophy Directorate and leads multiple academic initiatives including the Middle European Interdisciplinary Joint Master's Program in Cognitive Science (MEi:CogSci) and the Extension Curriculum on Innovation & Knowledge Creation. As head of the OCKO (Organizing Cognition in Knowing Organizations) Research Group and co-founder of the Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, Prof. Peschl plays a pivotal role in interdisciplinary research and education at the university.

Prof. Peschl's research focuses on innovation and knowledge creation across multiple contexts, integrating approaches from cognitive science (particularly 4E/enactive cognition), organizational theory, philosophy/epistemology, and knowledge technologies. His work centers on understanding how novelty emerges through socio-epistemological processes, with particular emphasis on concepts such as Emergent Innovation and Enabling Spaces which he developed as forms of "socio-epistemological engineering." His research explores how humans interact with environments to create knowledge, how organizations function as socially extended cognitive systems, and how we can "learn from future potentials" to develop 21st century & futures skills. He investigates the role of extended and enactive cognition in knowledge processes, the foundations of organizations as cognitive institutions, and implications for educational settings and organizational innovation.

Analysis of Prof. Peschl's recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward integrating cognitive science with practical innovation frameworks. His work consistently bridges theoretical foundations with actionable insights for organizations and educational settings. A strong theme throughout is the role of physical and social spaces in enabling knowledge work, with empirical studies on material artifacts like LEGO bricks as boundary objects in innovation processes. His scholarship increasingly addresses digital transformation and AI's implications for knowledge creation while maintaining a robust philosophical foundation in epistemology. The temporal dimension of innovation—particularly "learning from the future as it emerges"—represents a distinctive contribution to the field.

Prof. Peschl has received recognition for his innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including a Teaching Award. His educational philosophy emphasizes that "learning is a socio-epistemic-material activity of co-creation, interaction with the world and others, and shaping and being shaped by the world on all levels." He has contributed to designing innovative physical learning environments, including the Learning Lab at the Center for Teaching and Learning. His teaching portfolio includes courses on designing innovation processes, cognitive science foundations, and digital innovation labs that reflect his research interests.

As head of the OCKO Research Group, Prof. Peschl leads interdisciplinary research on how cognition is organized in knowing organizations. His scholarly network extends through the CEEPUS Network for Cognitive Science and the FWF Cluster of Excellence "Knowledge in Crisis." Beyond academia, he co-founded and serves as CSO of theLivingCore Innovation and Knowledge Architects, demonstrating strong connections between theoretical research and practical innovation applications. His work with international universities through visiting professorships (including Berlin and Bratislava) underscores his global scholarly impact.