Sebastian Pfotenhauer

Sebastian Pfotenhauer is a Carl von Linde Professor for Innovation Research at Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Deputy Head of the STS Department. He specializes in the societal dimensions of innovation, including governance of emerging technologies, regional innovation cultures, and responsible innovation practices. His work bridges academic research and policy, with leadership roles in major initiatives like the €50M Munich Cluster for the Future of Mobility (MCube) and the EU-funded SCALINGS project on co-creation in innovation. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Jena and postdoctoral training at MIT and Harvard.

Research interests include innovation policy, science governance, and the interplay between technology and societal change. Notable projects include comparative studies of innovation cultures, governance frameworks for AI and neurotechnology, and global partnerships in science and innovation. He advises governments and international bodies like the OECD and the German Engineers’ Association (VDI).

Publications span journals like Research Policy, Social Studies of Science, and Nature Biotechnology, addressing topics from regulatory sandboxes to neurotechnology ethics. Awards include the Leading Technology Policy Fellowship (MIT) and NSF grants for studying complex international partnerships.