C. Werker

Innovation Ecosystems · Tech-Entrepreneurship · Inclusivity · Technology Policy

Professor (Associate UHD1, with ius promovendi) Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Section Economics of Technology and Innovation

Chairperson, Standing Committee on Evolutionary Economics, Verein für Socialpolitik

Contact via Ms. Monika Polus ([email protected])

Claudia Werker focuses on innovation ecosystems, tech-entrepreneurship, technology policy, recently with a particular emphasis on how innovation and technological change enables inclusivity of entrepreneurial activities and policy measures, i.e. inclusive research and innovation (IRI) in STEM. IRI in STEM fits with Claudia's overall research interests on how responsible research and innovation (RRI) systems and innovation ecosystems evolve, particularly in how tech-entrepreneurs, policy makers and stakeholders usually not involved can drive research and innovation.

Inclusive Research and Innovation (IRI) in STEM ensures that the benefits of science and technology are shared more equally. It actively includes diverse groups (e.g., gender, age, ethnicity, social background) in research, design, and innovation. This leads to better processes and outcomes that serve a wider range of people.

IRI requires rethinking research questions, methods, analysis, and how results are shared. It also extends beyond research to teaching and application, helping create a stronger sense of belonging for diverse students and professionals.

Podcast series on IRI in STEM is available to listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite streaming platform.

Professional Background
Claudia Werker received her PhD in Economics (Dr. rer. pol.) from Freiberg University of Technology, Germany (summa cum laude). She joined the Faculty TPM at TU Delft in 2007. She has served as a referee for numerous scientific journals, for the Dutch Research Council (NWO), and was a member of TU Delft Vision Team Robotics that advised the rector and the general public on the impact of robots on our daily lives.

Since 2022, Claudia has chaired the Inclusive Research and Innovation (IRI) in STEM initiative, contributing to TU Delft’s strategic priority of fostering inclusivity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to her academic work, she hosts a podcast series dedicated to inclusive research and innovation.

Claudia has served on the works council of Delft University of Technology since 2020. In her first term until 2023 as vice-chairperson; since then as chairperson of the works and students council working group on diversity and inclusion.

Scholarly Publications
Claudia Werker has published numerous articles in and co-edited five special issues for high-ranking peer-reviewed journals such as Technovation, Journal of Business Economics, Industry, and Innovation, JASS, and Science and Engineering Ethics. A full list of her publications is available on Google Scholar.

Grants
Claudia Werker has received various grants from the European Commission, the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Claudia received two times an EU Marie-Curie personal grant, the first time as a postdoc conducting research at the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), the second time as a senior research fellow conducting research at RWTH Aachen University (Germany).

Teaching and Education
Claudia Werker gives lectures at TU Delft to Bachelor, Master and PhD students on subjects related to the economics of innovation and technology, such as:

• (Responsible) innovation (ecosystems) and knowledge networks
• Techno-entrepreneurship
• Technology and industry dynamics
• Innovation management, innovation and technology policy
• Inclusive research and innovation in STEM

She also teaches a free, self-paced online course on Big Data Strategies to Transform Your Business. Session sign-ups are on a rolling basis.

Master Thesis Supervision
If you are interested in doing a master thesis project on any of the above mentioned topics, you can send an email to Claudia.

Tips on how to draft a paper or a master thesis:
Below are short instructional videos that highlight each step of writing a master thesis (or a proposal, scientific paper, book, etc.), starting from finding the right sources.

• Sources and speedy reading (8:19)
• From topics to questions to problems (8:09)
• Arguments and claims, reasons, and evidence (5:03)
• Planning, drafting, and revising (5:11)

References in videos:
Booth, W.C., Colomb J.M. and J.M. Williams (2016): The Craft of Research, Chicago University Press (Chicago and London), fourth edition.
University of Minnesota (2020): Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources., retrieved on 28.08.2020.
Werker, C., Ooms, W., & Caniëls, M. C. J. (2016). Personal and related kinds of proximity driving collaborations: a multi-case study of Dutch nanotechnology researchers. SpringerPlus, 5(1).