معرفی
Ralf Plattfaut is Professor for Information Systems and Transformation Management at the University of Duisburg-Essen since 2023, where he leads the business process innovation and automation lab. Previously, he served as Professor for Business Informatics at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences (2019-2023) and as Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company (2013-2019). His academic journey includes research positions at the European Research Center for Information Systems at University of Münster and visiting fellowships at Queensland University of Technology and University of Liechtenstein.
His educational background includes:
- Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) from WWU Münster (2009), thesis on 'Lean Enterprise Content Management'
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BScIS) from Hochschule Liechtenstein (2008), thesis on 'IT-Controlling - Investitionsrechnung und Simulation auf Basis des ARIS-Toolset'
- Studies in Information Systems at WWU Münster (2004-2009) with core subjects in Business Administration, Information Systems, and Finance
- PhD studies in Information Systems at University of Münster (2009-2013)
Plattfaut's research focuses on business process management, digital transformation, and process automation. His work bridges academic theory with practical business applications, particularly examining how organizations implement and govern process innovations. He has made significant contributions to understanding Robotic Process Automation adoption, process mining applications, and the challenges of digital transformation in various sectors including healthcare, utilities, and public administration.
His publication portfolio shows a clear trajectory from foundational work on process modeling and IT controlling through to contemporary research on AI-supported process automation and the societal implications of digital transformation. Recent work increasingly addresses the intersection of process management with emerging technologies while maintaining focus on practical implementation challenges faced by organizations.
His scientific recognition includes multiple best paper nominations and awards at premier conferences including ICIS, HICSS, and BPM. Notably, he won the MINTchallenge for innovative teaching and received awards for research on public sector process management and RPA implementation challenges.
As an active academic leader, Plattfaut serves on editorial boards for Information Systems and e-Business Management and Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management journals. He has chaired tracks at major conferences including Wirtschaftsinformatik and Business Process Management conferences. His funded research projects demonstrate strong connections between academic inquiry and practical business needs, with recent grants from DFG, BMBF, and state ministries supporting research on process automation, process mining in utilities, and lightweight IT governance.
Plattfaut maintains an active consulting practice supporting organizations on digital transformation journeys, particularly focusing on business process innovation. He also serves on the Advisory Board 'Digitale Region menschlich gestalten' for the Regional Development Programme 'Regionale 2025'.
