Meike Tilebein

Meike Tilebein is a Professor and Director of the Institute for Diversity Studies in Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Stuttgart. She has been a full professor since November 2009 and leads research at the intersection of engineering, management, and social systems. Her work emphasizes digital transformation, sustainability, and diversity in innovation processes, particularly in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the textile industry.

• PhD in Economics and Social Sciences (Dr. rer. pol.), University of Stuttgart, 2004
• Dipl.-Ing. in Technical Cybernetics, University of Stuttgart, 1995
• Junior Professor in Innovation Management, European Business School, 2007–2009
• Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Stuttgart, 2004–2007

Her research focuses on systems thinking, complexity science, innovation management, and diversity in engineering teams. She investigates how digital technologies enable sustainable and socially valuable business models, especially in textile microfactories and circular economy contexts. She integrates system dynamics and agent-based modeling to analyze organizational behavior and innovation processes.

The most recent publications highlight trends in digital solutions for SMEs’ circularity transition, system dynamics in sustainability, and digital workflows for cradle-to-gate sustainability in textiles. These works demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary focus on sustainable engineering, digital transformation, and systemic innovation.

She holds leadership roles in major academic initiatives:

• Research Leader, SimTech Excellence Cluster, University of Stuttgart
• Research Leader, Graduate School Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (GSaME)
• Dean of the continuing education MBE program in Intra- and Entrepreneurship (tech)
• Deputy Dean, Faculty 7 (2021–2023)

She has served on numerous national and international committees, including the Innovation Council of the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (Zuse), the Scientific Advisory Board for Industry 4.0 in Potsdam, and evaluation panels for the Baden-Württemberg Innovation and Research Prizes. She is also active in promoting diversity and gender equality in academia.