Research

I work with different organizations as part of their research structures. My research is focused on a wide range of topics and range from the promotion of innovation systems, industrialization and science, to economic development, technology management, process consulting and complexity.

In Mesopartner, I am actively involved in our research theme of promoting bottom up industrial development and the promotion of innovation systems. This work in Mesopartner contributes to the research theme on Territorial Economic Development. With Marcus Jenal, I also work on the application of complexity theories to economic development. Our Mesopartner research page can be found here, and our Systemic Insight blog here.

I have been associated with the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in South Africa for the last few years, mainly around promoting a closer interaction between the VUT and the industries surrounding it. I played a small part in the establishment of the Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park and the funding of various high end additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies. I have worked intensely in the promotion of the foundry industry in South Africa in close cooperation with the VUT in support of the introduction of new technologies that enables faster and more accurate manufacturing of metal castings.

Since 2015, I am also a member of the Faculty at Stellenbosch University Business School. My work with USB will focus on the management of Technology and Innovation.

I am also associated with the Institute for Economic Research on Innovation (IERI) at Tshwane University of Technology. Here my work focus on innovation systems and specifically how to develop innovation systems in regions. I also assist with teaching and research around how to better manage technology transfer, industry development and research management.

Beyond these formal appointments I advise a number of international organizations on research, industrial development and innovation systems. I have a small number of manufacturers that I assist with industrial research and product development mainly through assisting these organizations to establish their own R&D units.