معرفی
Dr. Tom Aben is a Researcher at Tilburg University's Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM), specifically within the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management. His work focuses on the intersection of digital transformation, supply chain management, and data governance in complex organizational settings, with particular emphasis on collaborative networks and critical infrastructure management.
Dr. Aben's research interests center around purchasing and supply management (PSM) in multi-party networks, data sharing solutions, and collaborative governance approaches. He investigates how organizations can effectively manage digital transformation in critical infrastructure contexts, with particular attention to contract design, trust-building mechanisms, and network governance structures. His work often addresses societal challenges through collaborative approaches across public and private sectors, contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable infrastructure and innovation.
His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on how digitalization transforms traditional buyer-supplier relationships and necessitates new governance approaches. Aben's research shows particular expertise in data sharing within critical infrastructure networks, examining how organizations jointly develop data clauses and navigate the challenges of information asymmetry in digital environments. His work has significant implications for both academic theory and practical implementation of collaborative governance models.
Dr. Aben has received recognition for his contributions to the field, including:
- Nomination for the 2021 Tilburg University Impact Award for the NWO/NGinfra LONGA VIA project
- Nominee for the Best PhD Dissertation Award in 2023
Currently, Dr. Aben is actively involved in the VIA AUGUSTA research project (2022-2026), which focuses on leveraging System-of-Systems approaches to infrastructure management. Previously, he contributed to the Longavia project (2018-2022) examining legal and organizational aspects of data-driven innovations in infrastructure management. He has also organized academic events such as the workshop 'Moving Towards Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Challenges and Opportunities of 'Joint' Action' in December 2024, demonstrating his leadership in advancing knowledge in his field.
His research spans multiple sectors including critical infrastructure management, healthcare, and public administration, with a particular focus on Dutch contexts but with implications that extend internationally. Dr. Aben frequently collaborates with researchers including Wendy van der Valk, Luc van de Sande, and David Wodak, indicating strong research networks both within Tilburg University and with external partners.
