Irene Bertschek Elected New EFI Chair

EFI as an important driving force

“The election of Irene Bertschek is a notable acknowledgement of her professional excellence and significant contributions to the digital transformation. We are very pleased that she takes on this role and congratulate her warmly,” says ZEW President Achim Wambach, PhD. “At a time when advancing digital technologies and artificial intelligence is of crucial importance for the future potential of our country, Irene Bertschek will be able to make valuable contributions in her role as chair. She is a proven expert with vision and commitment and this will ensure that the EFI Commission remains an important driving force for innovation policy in Germany in the future.”

Federal Minister Bär acknowledges achievements

The previous chair, Professor Uwe Cantner, is stepping down from the commission as scheduled. The new Vice Chair of the EFI Commission is Professor Carolin Häussler, Professor of Organization, Technology Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Passau, who has also been unanimously elected and takes over from Bertschek.

Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space, comments: “In his role as Chair and member of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation, Professor Uwe Cantner provided important impetus for the further development of the German research and innovation system. On behalf of the German government, I would like to thank him for his work. At the same time, it is a pleasure for me to welcome the newly elected Chair of the EFI Commission, Professor Irene Bertschek, and the Vice Chair, Professor Carolin Häussler, to their new roles. I wish them every success and look forward to working with them.”