Maral Mahdad

Maral Mahdad is an Assistant Professor of Innovation Management at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), specifically within the ITEM group (Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences). Her work focuses on the intersection of innovation ecosystems and sustainability transitions, with applications in agri-food and energy sectors. She investigates multi-stakeholder collaboration dynamics in sustainability-oriented innovation ecosystems.

Previously, she held an Assistant Professor position at Wageningen University, supervising PhD candidates and coordinating the Innovation & Entrepreneurship minor program. She has secured grants for projects like CO-FRESH, BEATLES, REWIRE, and CUES, emphasizing circular agriculture and sustainable development. Her research has been published in journals such as Technovation, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Business Strategy and the Environment.

Key research interests include open innovation frameworks, stakeholder collaboration in smart city food systems, and the role of organizational identity in experiential learning among farmers. Recent articles highlight challenges in navigating open innovation pathways, dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems, and scaling sustainability business models.

Mahdad actively engages in academic committees, including the Employee Council and Safe Work Environment Committee at TU/e, and advises the Academic Parity Movement. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, responsible consumption, and sustainable cities.

Teaching responsibilities include courses on open innovation management, sustainable enterprise design, and product innovation strategies. She has organized conferences like the World Open Innovation Conference (WOIC 2021) and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development.