Prof. Andreas Pinkwart has held the Chair of Innovation and Technology Management at the Faculty of Business and Economics at TU Dresden since 2023 and is Director of the Excellence Center for Innovation, Transfer and Entrepreneurship (TUD|excite).

He can look back on a successful career in academic, economic and science policy spanning more than three decades. In addition to heading Chairs in Düsseldorf, Siegen and Leipzig, he was Minister for Innovation, Science and Research in North Rhine-Westphalia; Minister for Economic Affairs, Digitalization and Energy (in his second term); Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal State; and a member of the Federal Council and the Bundestag. Prof. Pinkwart was Chairman of the Administrative Board of the NRW Bank, was a member of the Supervisory Board of Evotec SE with headquarters in Hamburg, and a member of the German Science and Humanities Council, the Joint Science Conference and the German Rectors' Conference.

In his inaugural lecture, the economist, who has a PhD in business administration from Bonn, will examine patents from an economic perspective: Patents are recognized as an important tool for innovation and growth - whether it be on a company, regional or economic level. Despite numerous studies on their role at micro and macro level, some important answers still remain elusive. For example, with regard to future exploitation opportunities, attracting venture capital or promoting sustainability. Applying new approaches can reveal secrets and optimize patent strategies.

The get-together after the inaugural lecture will provide an opportunity to meet the newly appointed professor in person.

Further information: https://tu-dresden.de/exzellenz/uwil