Mario Lucas

Prof. Mario Lucas is a Professor for Innovation and International Business Management at Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences (Berlin campus), serving concurrently as a member of the academic senate and program management for the Digital Leadership (M.A.) program. His career spans economic research, industry leadership, and academia, focusing on innovation ecosystems, international market strategies, and sustainable development.

Education and Professional Background:

• Studied Economic Geography and Economics at RWTH Aachen University (Germany).
• Worked in Mitsubishi Electric Europe, Aachen Agency for Innovation & Technology Transfer, and the Aachen Chamber of Industry and Commerce, driving SME digitalization and innovation.
• Led projects in China (2006–2010) for the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Beijing University of Science and Technology, developing sustainable energy solutions for rural areas under German government funding.

Research and Teaching: Expertise in the interplay of technology, talent, and tolerance (per Richard Florida’s framework), Return on Creativity (ROC), and strategic leadership in creative industries. Taught International Management, Retail & Sales Management, and Project Management at Bochum University of Applied Sciences (2014–2022), supervising over 50 theses on corporate innovation and sustainability.

Consultancy and Impact: Founded the China Competence Center for the Central Ruhr Area, designing market-entry strategies for SMEs entering China. Contributed to the RWTH Aachen’s transfer strategy under the German government’s Innovative University initiative.

Engagement: Active in student support at MDH, shaping sustainable student journeys through advisory roles.