Team

Anna is passionate about researching the innovation-based development of regional economies, particularly in areas considered non-core. She holds degrees in spatial planning and economic geography and has extensive experience managing research projects both nationally and internationally. 

Franz researches the intersection of finance, digital technologies, and regional transformations. His PhD thesis analysed geographical differences in access to finance for small enterprises. Currently, he is involved in several Ruhr development projects focusing on cybersecurity and engaging young people as skilled professionals to reinforce regional transformation.

Kerstin has a background in geography and spatial planning and is passionate about sustainable transformation. She has developed living labs and co-founded neighbourhood revitalization associations. Her research interests lie in sustainable solutions for non-core regions. She is a PhD candidate on urban manufacturing as part of the sustainable transition of cities. 

Maria has research experience in new business models at the interface between crafts and design, participative governance and social innovation. She is currently a PhD candidate with a topic on the diffusion of social innovation and teaches master seminars on social innovation and innovation systems. 

Ralitsa is the Executive Director of RAPIV. She has more than 20 years of academic experience as a university professor and has led more than 15 national and international projects. She is a consultant and trainer in international business, startup and business development, project development, and project management. 

Mariya is the Financial Manager and Coordinator at RAPIV. She has over 15 years of experience in project management and financial management and coordination. She is a consultant and trainer on business startup and development, financial management of SMEs, and has experience in conducting research and developing analysis, and strategic policy plans for development. 

Irina has more than 10 years of project experience and a strong background in business development. She is a certified consultant by Start-up Commons and experienced in conducting research and developing analyses. 

Marina has a background in business and management with a specialization in entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on family business, women entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, startups, and the development of impactful sustainable business models. She holds an M.Sc. in accounting and a PhD in the field of family businesses and their innovativeness. She has extensive experience with national and international development and research projects and the internationalisation of HEIs. 

Matteo is a professor for Distributed Systems at the Faculty of Communication and Environment. Following his studies in Internet Security, Matteo earned his doctorate cooperatively at Westfälische Hochschule and Ruhr Universität Bochum. Matteo founded AWARE7 GmbH in 2019 and built up the company with Chris Wojzechowski from 2 to 40 employees. Matteo is involved in the startup ecosystem in the Ruhr area and supports various initiatives with his expertise in founding companies. 

Chris is managing partner of AWARE7 GmbH and studied business informatics in the bachelor and internet security in the master. He has worked to build the company up to 40 employees. In doing so, Chris is responsible for addressing numerous themes. In the day-to-day business, he is responsible for executing successful projects. No matter if cybersecurity awareness campaign, phishing simulations for several thousand people or the provision of e-learnings.