Sara Vinco is an Associate Professor at the Department of Control and Computer Engineering (DAUIN), Politecnico di Torino, Italy. She specializes in battery simulation, digital twins, and energy-efficient design automation for heterogeneous embedded systems, aligning with Industrial and Information Engineering (Area 0009) and ERC sectors including Computer Architecture and Machine Learning . Her research focuses on advancing cyber-physical systems through simulation frameworks like SystemC-AMS, enabling holistic modeling of analog, digital, and thermal domains. Key projects include data-driven digital twins for EV batteries and low-area digital circuits in industrial/medical applications, supported by commercial contracts such as C-based virtual prototyping. Her recent publications (2022-2023) emphasize machine learning for battery SOH/SOC estimation , energy monitoring in production lines , and multi-domain fault modeling . These works span journals like IEEE Transactions and conferences including DATE and ISLPED. Awarded the FFABR 2017 grant and IEEE FDL Best Paper Award 2011 , she also chairs editorial boards for IEEE Transactions on CAD and DATE Conference. She supervises PhD students Giovanni Pollo (Digital Circuits) and Khaled Alamin (EV Battery Twins), reflecting her leadership in smart systems design.
Prof. Dr. Frank T. Piller is a University Professor and Co-Leader of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) at RWTH Aachen University, where he also serves as Academic Director of the Executive MBA program at RWTH Business School. He leads a research team of approximately 30 doctoral students, 5 postdocs, and over 20 student researchers within the TIME Research Area of the School of Business and Economics. His educational background includes a doctoral degree in Operations Management from the University of Würzburg (1999) and a Habilitation degree from TUM Business School (2004) on "Innovation and Value Co-Creation." Prior to joining RWTH Aachen in 2007, he was a Research Fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management and faculty at TUM Business School. Prof. Piller is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in customer-centered value creation, specializing in mass customization, personalization, and customer co-creation. His current research focuses on how established companies can transform in response to disruptive business model innovations, with particular emphasis on digital transformation (Industry 4.0), AI-augmented innovation, and sustainable business models. He is particularly known for his work on innovation ecosystems, platform-based business models, and stakeholder-oriented technology development. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward integrating artificial intelligence with traditional innovation management frameworks, exploring how AI transforms manufacturing systems, innovation processes, and business models. His work increasingly addresses the challenges of digital transformation in established industries while maintaining focus on customer co-creation and mass customization principles. His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: Co-Creation Award of the PDMA Nomination for "Innovating Innovation" Prize by Harvard Business Review and McKinsey "Lecturer of the Year" by Executive MBA students at TU Munich RWTH Aachen Rector's Prize for Excellent Teaching (since 2010) Grant for innovative "Flipping the Classroom" teaching concept ERC Synergy Grant for SAFER Grid project (2025-2031) Prof. Piller maintains an extensive research network spanning academia and industry. He collaborates with numerous corporations including 3M, Adidas, BASF, EON, J&J, P&G, Siemens, and Vodafone, as well as many technology startups across Europe and North America. As a co-founder, supervisory board member, and investor in innovative startups, he actively transfers research into practice. His research has received significant funding, most notably the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant for the SAFER Grid project. He leads the Technology and Innovation Management Group (TIM) within the TIME Research Area at RWTH Aachen, which comprises over 100 senior and junior researchers working at the intersection of innovation, technology management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The institute is a leading European research institution for strategic, behavioral, and computer-supported technology and innovation management.
Adeel Tariq is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Industrial Engineering and Management department of LUT School of Engineering Sciences , Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland. He completed his Ph.D. (2019) and MBA (2014) at the School of Management , Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Research Focus: Technology and innovation management, digital transformation, sustainable development, knowledge management, and leadership studies. Peer Review: Active reviewer for journals including Leadership & Organization Development Journal , Journal of Intellectual Capital , and European Journal of Innovation Management . Collaborations: Regular co-author with Waqas Tariq, Muhammad Saleem Sumbal, and Marko Torkkeli on topics like digital governance, fintech, and SME sustainability.
Professor Thanos Papadopoulos is a faculty member at the University of Kent , serving as Deputy Dean and Head of the Department of Analytics, Operations & Systems. He is affiliated with the Centre for Logistics and Sustainability Analytics (CeLSA) . PhD : Warwick Business School, University of Warwick MSc : Informatics, Athens University of Economics and Business Diploma : Computer Engineering and Informatics, Patras University His research focuses on Operations and Information Management , with emphasis on digital technologies in supply chains , resilience , and sustainability . Recent work explores AI, metaverse, and data-driven strategies. He has authored 150+ peer-reviewed publications and collaborates with journals like British Journal of Management as Associate Editor. Awards include Stanford's Top 2% Researchers and Clarivate Highly Cited distinctions. Professor Papadopoulos supervises students in supply chain management , big data , and sustainability . His projects address geopolitical disruptions and digital transformation in manufacturing and retail.
Bruno Volckaert is a Professor in the Department of Information Technology at Ghent University and Senior Researcher at imec. He obtained his Master of Computer Science (2001) and PhD in Grid Computing Resource Management (2006) from Ghent University. His research focuses on distributed cloud systems for Smart Cities and Industry 4.0 applications. Volckaert's expertise spans: Reliable distributed cloud backend systems Autonomous optimization of cloud applications Cybersecurity through machine learning IoT data processing architectures Kubernetes-based container orchestration Edge-to-cloud continuum computing His publications demonstrate strong focus on: cloud-native technologies, Kubernetes optimization, cybersecurity frameworks, and distributed AI systems. Recent work emphasizes reinforcement learning for auto-scaling, secure edge computing, and intrusion detection systems. He has contributed to over 40 national/international research projects and authored 100+ publications. Current affiliations include leadership roles in: IDLab Research Unit (Ghent University) imec Research Center
Holger Wittges is the Managing Director of the SAP University Competence Center (UCC) at the Technische Universität München (TUM) . His work focuses on Digital Transformation , Next Generation ERP , and Hybrid Cloud infrastructure. He is affiliated with the KrcmarLab and collaborates with IBM via the OpenPOWER@TUM initiative. Educational Background: 2004: Dr. rer. oec. (Promotion), Universität Hohenheim 1996: Diplom Wirtschaftsinformatiker, Universität Bamberg Research Interests include Digital Transformation, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), XaaS (Everything as a Service), and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). His work bridges academic innovation with industry needs through SAP UCC TUM, which provides 40+ educational service bundles like SAP HANA and S/4HANA for teaching and research. Recent Publications highlight advancements in machine learning for ERP support ticket systems, energy efficiency in SAP S/4HANA, and educational frameworks for cloud-based enterprise software. Articles emphasize collaboration with institutions across Europe and contributions to digital ecosystems like the SAP University Alliances. Key Projects include the OpenPOWER@TUM initiative with IBM, focusing on accessible AI/ML infrastructure for academia, and the SAP UCC TUM, which drives Education as a Service (EaaS) strategies for digital business ecosystems.
Tim Schweisfurth is a Full Professor in Organizational Design and Collaboration Engineering at the School of Management Sciences and Technology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Germany. He previously served as an Associate Professor in High-Tech Business at the University of Twente and in Technology and Innovation Management at the University of Southern Denmark. He received his PhD from TUHH and his venia legendi from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, with key themes including digital and technology-driven innovation, idea generation and evaluation, and distributed and collaborative innovation. His work has been published in leading journals such as Research Policy , Strategic Management Journal , Organization Science , and Creativity and Innovation Management . His recent publications reflect a strong trend in understanding how organizational structures, digital platforms, and user involvement influence innovation outcomes. Topics include internal crowdfunding, idea evaluation biases, user innovation, and Industry 4.0 adoption in SMEs, indicating a deep engagement with both theoretical and applied aspects of innovation management. Editor-in-Chief, Creativity and Innovation Management Advisory Editor, Research Policy He has collaborated with major companies such as Siemens, Osram, Audi, Panasonic, and EWE in both research and consulting. He has advised on innovation strategies and digital transformation, contributing to real-world applications of his research. His work has not explicitly mentioned grants, but his extensive industry collaborations suggest strong project funding and engagement. He leads the research group on Organizational Design and Collaboration Engineering at TUHH, which investigates collaborative innovation, digital platforms, and employee-driven innovation. The team engages in both empirical and theoretical research, often using large datasets and field experiments to understand innovation dynamics in organizations.
Jon McCormack is a Professor jointly appointed in Monash University's Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (MADA) and Faculty of Information Technology. He founded and directs SensiLab, a research facility focusing on computational creativity, human-machine interfaces, and generative systems. His work spans electronic media art, evolutionary music, and artificial life. McCormack holds a PhD in Computer Science from Monash University, along with degrees in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, and Film/Television. Research interests include computational creativity, tangible interfaces, and cybernetic systems. Notable projects include 'Explainable Artificial Creativity' (ARC-funded) and 'Building 4.0 CRC,' addressing architectural innovation through AI. He has been recognized with awards for collaborative projects like the Blundstone Intelligent Footwear for Healthcare. McCormack's recent articles explore AI-driven art, generative systems, and interdisciplinary design. His work bridges artistic practice with technical innovation, emphasizing ethical and creative dimensions of human-AI collaboration. SensiLab serves as a hub for practice-based research in digital media and interactive systems. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Monash University (2004) Bachelor of Science (Honours), Computer Science/Applied Mathematics, Monash University (1987) Graduate Diploma in Film/TV, Swinburne University (1986) Bachelor of Science, Computer Science/Applied Mathematics, Monash University (1985) Key Projects: Lead investigator on 'Explainable Artificial Creativity' (2022–2026) Co-investigator in 'Building 4.0 CRC' (2020–2027), exploring AI-driven architectural design Awards: 2022 Designers Australia Award for Blundstone Footwear 2020 'On the Machine Condition' Prize McCormack's lab, SensiLab, fosters collaborations across disciplines, producing exhibitions, software, and theoretical frameworks for computational creativity. He actively supervises PhD students in practice-based research, emphasizing the intersection of art and technology.
Leid Zejnilovic is an Assistant Professor at Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), where he co-founded the Data Science Knowledge Center and serves as Academic Director, and co-founded the Open and User Innovation Knowledge Center as Scientific Deputy Director. He also co-founded the Patient Innovation platform, enabling patients and caregivers to share self-made healthcare solutions. With a double PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and Católica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics, his career spans over 20 years of international consulting, academic entrepreneurship, and teaching at institutions like Imperial College Business School and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute. PhD in Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Technological Change (Carnegie Mellon University / Catholic University of Portugal, 2014) Master in Engineering and Public Policy (Carnegie Mellon University, 2012) Master in Information Technology (Dzemal Bijedic University, 2007) Bachelor in Telecommunications (University of Sarajevo, 2002) His research focuses on Technology and Innovation Management, Human-Computer Interaction, and data-driven solutions across healthcare, tourism, and education. He has published extensively in journals like California Management Review , PLoS ONE , and Marine Policy , with recent work analyzing big data in tourism, machine learning for oral health, and pandemic impacts on fisheries. As an Associate Editor for Data & Policy Journal , his contributions bridge academic research and real-world applications. Co-founding the Data Science for Social Good Foundation and leading over 100 talks in industry and academia, Zejnilovic's career emphasizes translating innovation into social and economic impact through platforms, policy, and education.
Dr. Florian Urmetzer serves as Associate Teaching Professor and founding Director of the Ecosystems, Platforms & Strategy (EPS) Research Group at the University of Cambridge's Institute for Manufacturing (IfM). His expertise centers on strategy formulation tools for business ecosystems and platforms within manufacturing and services sectors. He teaches the Business Ecosystem Strategy course and leads IfM Engage consultancy projects for clients including IBM, ATOS, ABN-AMRO, CEMEX, Pearson Education, Leonardo rescue helicopters, and the NHS. Urmetzer holds a distinction MSc in Network Centred Computing and PhD from the University of Reading's School of Systems Engineering. His doctoral research developed real-time usability evaluation methods for distributed collaborative environments. Academically, he has been a visiting researcher at Barcelona Supercomputing Center and Politecnico di Milano. His research investigates industrial ecosystems from strategic and managerial perspectives, encompassing supply chains, digital platforms, and business ecosystem dynamics. This work has been published in leading journals including Journal of Business Research, European Journal of Information Systems, and Journal of Service Research. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant trends in technological sovereignty, platform ecosystem governance, and manufacturing relocation strategies. Prior to Cambridge, Urmetzer gained extensive industry experience as a consultant at Accenture in Zürich, Senior Researcher at SAP labs, and roles at Volkswagen AG, Gartner Inc., and IBM. He currently leads the EPS Research Group, which develops frameworks for organizations navigating complex industrial ecosystem dynamics.
Henrique O'Neill is an Associate Professor (with Habilitation) in the Department of Marketing, Operations and General Management at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal. He is an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR-Iscte - Research Center in Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture. His research focuses on information systems adoption, organizational strategy, and process optimization in healthcare, finance, and public administration. Education: PhD in Business Organization and Management - University of Cranfield (1995) Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Higher Technical Institute (1987) Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering - Higher Technical Institute (1983) Research Interests: His work spans business/IT strategy, systems modeling, process analysis, and technology implementation. Key domains include healthcare informatics, banking systems, and Industry 4.0 applications. He emphasizes practical solutions for organizational performance through technology integration. Publication Trends: Recent articles explore intelligent business systems, telemedicine, design science methodologies, and supply chain innovation. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with sector-specific applications in healthcare, education, and logistics. Professional Engagement: Member: Portuguese Telemedicine Association, Order of Engineers Commissioner: INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) reform study Director: Center for IT Development (2010-2014) Advising & Projects: Supervises 7 graduate students (1 PhD, 6 Master's). Leads EU-funded projects including: Atlantic Crossing (2024-2025): US-Portugal academic collaboration in AI/cybersecurity AAL4ALL (2011-2015): Ambient Assisted Living ecosystem UNITE (2000-2002): Ubiquitous teamwork platforms
Shahid Raza is a Professor of Cybersecurity at the University of Glasgow's School of Computing Science. He previously led the RISE Cybersecurity Unit in Sweden, establishing it as a leading research group. His expertise spans IoT Security, PKI, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, and hardware/data security. Raza holds a PhD and Docentship from Uppsala University, alongside a Bachelor's with a Gold Medal for academic excellence. Education: B.Sc. (Computer Science, 3.99/4.0 CGPA, Gold Medal), Licentiate, PhD, and Docentship in Cybersecurity from Sweden. He leads EU-funded projects like H2020 CONCORDIA and Horizon Europe CUSTODES, coordinating initiatives such as the Cyber Node and Cyber Range. Active in cybersecurity policy, he serves on the EU SCCG, ECSO, and EARTO Security & Defence Research working groups. Research Interests Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for IoT AIAgent-Driven Cybersecurity Solutions IoT Certification Standards Hardware Security for Low-Power Devices Grants & Projects Coordinator: Horizon Europe CUSTODES Technical Leader: H2020 Arcadian-IoT Founder: RISE Cyber Range (Sweden's largest cybersecurity test facility) Awards & Memberships IEEE Senior Member Gold Medal for Academic Excellence (Bachelor's)
Carlos Enrique Palau is a prominent researcher in the field of Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, and cyber-physical systems. His work focuses on interoperability, security, and scalability in distributed systems, particularly in industrial and smart city applications. He has contributed to frameworks for cloud-edge continuum integration, blockchain-based IoT solutions, and federated computing architectures. Key areas of research include: IoT interoperability and semantic frameworks Edge computing and distributed workload management Cybersecurity for IoT and critical infrastructure Smart port logistics and real-time data analytics Cognitive services in legacy port management systems His recent work explores: Data-as-a-Product frameworks for Industry 4.0/5.0 Autonomous workload scheduling in energy-efficient edge-cloud systems Deception mechanisms for IoT security Self-* capabilities in cloud-edge nodes Palau has collaborated extensively with institutions like Universitat Politècnica de València and international partners in projects funded by EU initiatives. His research addresses practical challenges in industrial IoT deployments, smart city infrastructure, and emergency management systems.
Dr. Sheng Yang is an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph. He leads the Design Innovation and Intelligent Manufacturing (DIIM) lab, focusing on advancing additive manufacturing, generative design, and smart manufacturing technologies. His research integrates IoT, big data analytics, and bio-inspired design to address challenges in aerospace, green energy, and healthcare. Key areas include computational design for additive manufacturing, data-driven mass customization, and digital twin-based optimization. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University (2019), followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at McGill (2019–2020). Joined University of Guelph in 2020. Research interests span energy efficiency, complex system optimization, and personalized healthcare products. Recent work emphasizes digital twin synchronization in robotics, machine learning for quality prediction, and sustainable additive manufacturing processes. Notable awards include the 2019 Association of Commonwealth Universities Blue Charter Fellowship and 2018 ASME Best Paper Award. His lab actively seeks partnerships in personalized healthcare, product design, and smart manufacturing. Grants and collaborations focus on advancing manufacturing technologies and sustainability. No formal advisees listed, but active in graduate training through lab projects. The DIIM lab explores cutting-edge solutions for industrial and societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.
Fabian J. Sting is a Full Professor and Director of the Department of Supply Chain Management - Strategy and Innovation at the University of Cologne since 2016. He also holds a tenured Associate Professorship in Operations Management at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University since 2014. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Productions Management (summa cum laude) from WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management in 2008 and postdoctoral work at INSEAD in 2008–2010. University of Cologne : Chair of Supply Chain Strategy and Innovation (2016–present) Rotterdam School of Management : Associate Professor (2014–present), Assistant Professor (2010–2014) Education : Ph.D. (2005–2008), M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics (2005–2007), Diploma in Management Science (2002–2005) Sting’s research bridges operations management, innovation strategy, and supply chain dynamics. Key areas include: Supply chain coordination under uncertainty Employee-driven process innovation and cognitive biases Strategic capacity planning and risk hedging Industry 4.0 implementation challenges Interdisciplinary integration of behavioral and technical elements in operations Recent publications focus on dual sourcing strategies, fairness in operational decisions, and employee mobility’s impact on innovation. He contributes to high-impact journals like Management Science and Production and Operations Management . Sting participates in institutional research initiatives such as: ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy – a Cluster of Excellence addressing digital transformation, inequality, and market failures through interdisciplinary economics, political science, and law Excellent Research Support Programme (ERSP) – supporting collaborative projects like HPDnet (improving pediatric kidney disease care via health networks)
