Ellen Enkel (born January 11, 1971, in Cologne) is a Swiss-German business scholar and professor of Business Administration and Mobility at the University of Duisburg-Essen. She is mother of two children.

From 1991 to 1998, Ellen Enkel studied biology, pedagogy, and theology for a state examination at the Universities of Bielefeld and Paderborn. Between 1998 and 2003, she completed her doctorate in business education with highest honors (summa cum laude) on the topic of knowledge networks. During this time, she simultaneously led the Knowledge Source Competence Center at the Institutes for Business Administration (IfB) and Information Systems (IWI) at the University of St. Gallen. From 2003 to 2008, she headed the Open Innovation Competence Center at the Institute of Technology Management (ITEM) at the same university.

From 2008 to 2020, Enkel held the Chair of Innovation Management at Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen and simultaneously directed the Dr. Manfred Bischoff Institute for Innovation Management of Airbus. Since 2020, she has been Professor of Business Administration and Mobility, with a focus on Innovation Management, at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen.

The research interests of Prof. Dr. Ellen Enkel lie in the fields of technology and innovation management, with a particular focus on open innovation, innovation ecosystems, and the impact of emerging technologies on business and society. At the start of her academic career, she concentrated on knowledge networks and is now recognized as one of the pioneers of the open innovation approach.

As early as 1999, she collaborated with industrial consortia to build knowledge networks within and between companies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation processes. Until 2003, she led the Knowledge Source Competence Center at the Institute of Information Management (IWI) at the University of St. Gallen, working with companies such as IBM, Daimler, Unilever, and Hewlett-Packard. Her doctoral dissertation on knowledge networks was awarded among the top 1% of her cohort.

She later joined the Institute of Technology Management (ITEM), where she founded the Open Innovation Competence Center in 2003 and continued her research on structured interlinkages of knowledge sources. In 2004, she co-authored with Oliver Gassmann the internationally most-cited paper on the core processes of open innovation (inside-out, outside-in, coupled), a milestone in innovation research that established her, alongside Henry Chesbrough, as a field pioneer. Her concepts - such as the Open Innovation Maturity Model (from traditionalists to visionaries) and her studies on cross-industry innovation - remain influential to this day (Carmona-Lavado et al., 2023; Manken, 2020; Sabando-Vera et al., 2020; Ferrigno et al., 2023). Her scholarly work has been cited more than 14,724 times (as of 2025).

Her current research is increasingly focused on innovation ecosystems - an evolution of her previous work on knowledge networks - as well as the effects of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems on organizations and human behavior.

Ellen Enkel is the author and editor of four academic books on the management of knowledge networks (three co-authored with Andrea Back and Georg von Krogh) and has published extensively in leading international journals such as Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Technovation, R&D Management, and the International Journal of Technology Management. With over 14,000 citations, she is among the most cited innovation management scholars worldwide. A bibliometric analysis by Ferrigno et al. (2023) identified Ellen Enkel as the most influential scholar in the R&D Management Journal. In the field of cross-industry innovation - collaborative innovation across sectoral boundaries - she is the most cited author globally (Carmona-Lavado et al., 2023; Manken, 2020). Since 2020, she has been listed annually among the world’s top 2% of scientists by Stanford University.

From 2012 to 2021, she served as one of the first female Editors-in-Chief of the prestigious R&D Management Journal. Since 2022, she has chaired the journal’s Editorial Advisory Board. Ellen Enkel has completed research stays at the London School of Economics (2002) and Harvard Business School (2016) and serves internationally as an expert to the European Commission on open innovation and innovation ecosystems.

As the most-cited author in the R&D Management Journal (Ferrigno et al. 2023), she took on the role of Editor-in-Chief in 2012 as one of the first women in that position. During her ten-year tenure, she modernized the publication process, increased topical relevance, and significantly enhanced the journal’s quality - reflected in the rise of its impact factor from 2.005 (2012) to 5.962 (2021) at the time of her departure. She currently heads the journal’s Editorial Advisory Board.

Ellen Enkel is deeply committed to transferring scientific insights into business and society. In her role as board member of the Wissenschaftsstadt Essen initiative, she supports regional innovation potential and the development of Essen as an innovation ecosystem. She also contributes as a member of the Mobility Council of North Rhine-Westphalia and, in her role as spokesperson for the MOTION (Mobility Transformation) Institute, helps shape sustainable mobility. Additionally, she co-chairs the Research Campus Jury of the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), which promotes innovation ecosystem development across Germany.

She founded and led the part-time master’s program Digital Pioneering (focused on digital business model development) at Zeppelin University (2010–2020) and launched the international master’s program Sustainable Logistics Solutions (focused on sustainable technical logistics) at the University of Duisburg-Essen (2024–present). She has also initiated numerous student-led startups.

• Since 2020: World’s Top 2% Scientists, Stanford University List
• 2023: All-Time Top 50 Most-Cited Artificial Intelligence Articles in Business, Management, and Social Sciences Journals
• 2023: Most Cited Author in R&D Management
• 2023: Most Cited Author in Cross-Industry Innovation
• 2015: Winner of the Best Student Paper Award at ISPIM Conference, Budapest (with Annika Dingler)
• 2013: Winner of the Best Student Paper Award at ISPIM Conference, Helsinki (with Karoline Bader)
• Since 2012: Author of the most cited articles in R&D Management Journal
• 2010: Finalist, Best Student Paper, Academy of Management TIM Division (with Nicole Rosenkranz)

AI and Technology Acceptance

• Liebherr, M., Enkel, E., Law, E. L.-C., Mousavi, M. R., Sammartino, M., & Sieberg, P. (2025). Dynamic calibration of trust and trustworthiness in AI-enabled systems. International Journal on Software Tools for Technology Transfer. In press.
• Tuncdogan, A., Wang, F., Volberda, H., & Enkel, E. (2024). IT as a driver of R&D processes and strategic renewal. R&D Management, 54(4), 685–694. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12692
• Enkel, E., Jansen, N., Mousavi, M. R., & Rozier, K. Y. (2024). Model learning for improved trustworthiness in autonomous systems (Dagstuhl Seminar 23492). Dagstuhl Reports, 13(12), 24–47. https://doi.org/10.4230/DagRep.13.12.24
• Enkel, E. (2017): To get consumers to trust AI, show them its benefits, Harvard Business Review Blog, 17 April 2017. https://hbr.org/2017/04/to-get-consumers-to-trust-ai-show-them-its-benefits.
• Hengstler, M., Enkel, E., & Duelli, S. (2016). Applied artificial intelligence and trust: The case of autonomous vehicles and medical assistance devices. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 105, 105–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.12.014

Cross-Industry Innovation and Industry Convvergence

• Enkel, E., Groemminger, A., & Heil, S. (2018). Managing technological distance in internal and external collaborations: Absorptive capacity routines and social integration for innovation. Journal of Technology Transfer, 43(5), 1257–1290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-017-9557-0
• Enkel, E., Heil, S., Hengstler, M., & Wirth, H. (2017). Exploratory and exploitative innovation: To what extent do the dimensions of individual level absorptive capacity contribute? Technovation, 60–61, 29–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2016.08.002
• Dingler, A., & Enkel, E. (2016). Socialization and innovation: Insights from collaboration across industry boundaries. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 109, 50–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2016.05.017
• Enkel, E., & Bader, K. (2016). Why do experts contribute in cross-industry innovation? A structural model of motivational factors, intention and behavior. R&D Management, 46, 207–227. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12132
• Heil, S., & Enkel, E. (2015). Exercising opportunities for cross-industry innovation: How to support absorptive capacity in distant knowledge processing. International Journal of Innovation Management, 19(5), 1550048. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1363919615500486
• Enkel, E., & Heil, S. (2014). Preparing for distant collaboration: Antecedents to potential absorptive capacity in cross-industry innovation. Technovation, 34(4), 242–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2014.01.010
• Horvath, A., & Enkel, E. (2014). When general recommendations fail: How to search in single innovation project settings. R&D Management, 44(4), 409–426. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12079
• Enkel, E., & Mezger, F. (2013). Imitation processes and their application for business model innovation: An exploratory study. International Journal of Innovation Management, 17(1), 1340005. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1363919613400057
• Gassmann, O., Daiber, M., & Enkel, E. (2011). The role of intermediaries in cross-industry innovation processes. R&D Management, 41(5), 457–469. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2011.00651.x
• Enkel, E., & Gassmann, O. (2010). Creative imitation: Exploring the case of cross-industry innovation. R&D Management, 40(3), 256–270. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00591.x

Open Innovation

• Enkel, E., Bogers, M., & Chesbrough, H. (2020). Exploring open innovation in the digital age: A maturity model and future research directions. R&D Management, 50(1), 161–168. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12397
• European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Vermeulen, E., Wellen, D., Dvorak, I., Enkel, E., et al. (2014). Boosting open innovation and knowledge transfer in the European Union. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/7375
• Bader, K., & Enkel, E. (2014). Understanding a firm’s choice for openness: Strategy as determinant. International Journal of Technology Management, 66(2/3), 156–182. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.2014.064590
• Enkel, E., Bell, J., & Hogenkamp, H. (2011). Open innovation maturity framework. International Journal of Innovation Management, 15(6), 1161–1189. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1363919611003696
• Gassmann, O., Enkel, E., & Chesbrough, H. (2010). The future of open innovation as a researchable theory. R&D Management, 40(3), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00605.x
• Gassmann, O., Kausch, C., & Enkel, E. (2010). A study of negative side effects of customer integration. International Journal of Technology Management, 50(1), 43–62. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.2010.031917
• Enkel, E., Gassmann, O., & Chesbrough, H. (2009). Open R&D and open innovation: Exploring the phenomenon. R&D Management, 39(4), 311–316. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2009.00570.x
• Enkel, E., Perez-Freije, J., & Gassmann, O. (2005). Minimizing market risks through customer integration in NPD: Learnings from a bad practice. Creativity and Innovation Management, 14(4), 425–437.
• Enkel, E., Kausch, C., & Gassmann, O. (2005). Managing the risk of customer integration. European Management Journal, 23(2), 203–213.
• Gassmann, O., Enkel, E. (2004). Towards a Theory of Open Innovation: Three Core Process Archetypes. Proceedings of the R&D Management Conference, Lisbon, Portugal, July 6-9, 2004.

Knowledge Networks and Innovation Ecosystems

• European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, & Enkel, E. (Ed.). (2024). Mutual learning exercise on knowledge valorisation – Focus on skills, intersectoral cooperation and incentive systems – Fourth thematic report – Multi-stakeholder networks and processes. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/279492
• Enkel, E.& Hengstler, M. (2016). Innovation Ecosystems: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility. International Society for Professional Innovation Management Conference (ISPIM), June 19th – 22nd, Porto, Portugal.
• Enkel, E. (2013). Knowledge networks. In M. Augier & D. J. Teece (Eds.), The Palgrave encyclopedia of strategic management.
• Enkel, E. (2010). Individual attributes required for profiting from open innovation in networks. International Journal of Technology Management, 52(3/4), 344–371. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.2010.03598
• Back, A.; Enkel, E. & von Krogh, G. (Eds.) (2007). Knowledge Networks for Business Growth. Springer: Berlin, Heidelberg, New York.
• Back, A.; von Krogh, G.; Seufert, A. & Enkel, E. (Eds.) (2006). Getting Real about Knowledge Networks: Unlocking Corporate Knowledge Assets, Palgrave MacMillan: Hampshire, UK.
• Enkel, E. (2005). Management von Wissen durch Wissensnetzwerke. Erfolgsfaktoren und Beispiele. Deutscher Universitäts-Verlag Gabler, Wiesbaden. Dissertation.
• Back, A.; von Krogh, G.; Seufert, A. & Enkel, E. (Eds.) (2005). Putting Knowledge Networks into Action. Methodology, Development, Maintenance. Springer Verlag. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York.

Corporate Venturing

• Enkel, E., & Sagmeister, V. (2020). External corporate venturing modes as new way to develop dynamic capabilities. Technovation, 96, 102128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2020.102128
• Roseno, A., Mezger, F., & Enkel, E. (2013). Distinctive dynamic capabilities for new business creation: A cross-industry analysis. International Journal of Technology Marketing, 8(2), 197–234. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTMKT.2013.054072
• Enkel, E., & Goel, S. (2012). Creating procedural clarity: Smoothing the path to corporate venturing. Journal of Business Strategy, 33(3), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1108/02756661211224988

Others

• Hubert, M., Florack, A., Gattringer, R., Eberhardt, T., Enkel, E., & Kenning, P. (2017). Flag up! – Flagship products as important drivers of perceived brand innovativeness. Journal of Business Research, 71, 154–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.09.001
• Trautmann, K., & Enkel, E. (2014). Success factors of strategic communication of corporate innovativeness towards financial analysts. International Journal of Innovation Management, 18(1), 1450006. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1363919614500066
• Perez-Freije, J., & Enkel, E. (2007). Creative tension in the innovation process: The influence of controlling systems design. European Management Journal, 25(1), 11–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2006.11.005

Project Title: Trust and Acceptance for AI-based Scheduling in SMEs (ZuKID)
Funding Agency: Research, Development, and Application of Artificial Intelligence Methods in SMEs, EffreNRW
Duration: 06/2025 – 05/2028
Funding Volume: €687,766.50

Project Title: Digital Tank Farm Operation – Safe, Environmentally Friendly, and Human-Centered (DigiTank)
Funding Agency: IHATEC II Program, Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV)
Duration: 01/2025 – 12/2028
Funding Volume: €3,679,571.05

Project Title: Strategic Charging Infrastructure for Urban Traffic Systems (STRALI)
Funding Agency: mFUND Program, Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV)
Duration: 08/2023 – 07/2026
Funding Volume: €2,891,653.00

Project Title: Healthcare as a Service, Revimed Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
Funding Agency: KMU-innovativ Program, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Duration: 06/2022 – 05/2023
Funding Volume: €91,030.00

• 10/2024 – Present: Member of the Mobility Council, Competence Center for Automated and Connected Mobility, innocam.NRW
• 10/2024: Track Chair “Models for Trustworthy Autonomous Systems”, AISoLA Conference, Crete, Greece
• 01/2024 – Present: Gender Equality Officer, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen
• 08/2024 – Present: Program Director, Continuing Education Program Management and Engineering of Sustainable Logistics Solutions, University Alliance (UA) Ruhr
• 12/2023: Organizer and Chair of Dagstuhl Seminar “Trust and Trustworthy AI”
• 10/2022 – Present: Spokesperson, Institute for Mobility Transformation (MOTION), Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
• 05/2021 – Present: Board Member, Science City Essen Initiative
• 02/2021 – Present: Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, R&D Management Journal, Wiley, Oxford, United Kingdom
• 08/2017 – Present: Co-Chair, Jury for the BMFTR Research Campus Program
• 10/2014 – Present: Expert for the European Commission, Topics: Open Innovation, Knowledge Valorisation, Innovation Ecosystems
• 2012 – 2021: Editor-in-Chief, R&D Management Journal, Wiley, Oxford, United Kingdom