Prof. Dr. Dries Faems

Professor, researcher and GenAI workshop instructor.

I study and teach how organizations collaborate, innovate and respond to technological transformation.

Chair of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technological Transformation
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

About

Connecting research, teaching and practical experimentation.

My work combines academic research on innovation management and entrepreneurship with practical experimentation in generative AI. I help leaders and professionals understand how new technologies affect work, innovation and organizational change.

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Current roleChair of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technological Transformation, WHUAreas of expertiseInnovation management · Entrepreneurship · Collaboration · GenAI applicationsPublic engagementWHU executive education, AI workshops and the GenAI Nerd Channel

WHU Executive Education

GenAI workshops and programs.

I teach practical GenAI workshops through WHU, helping executives and professionals explore current tools and connect them to innovation, entrepreneurship and everyday business work.

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Online program

Mastering GenAI Trends & Tools

A three-week online bootcamp on current GenAI trends, tools and practical business applications. No prior coding experience is required.

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Executive program

Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship Essentials

Hands-on applications of GenAI for customer-centric exploration, innovation processes and entrepreneurial opportunities.

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Executive program

Transformative Storytelling with AI

AI-supported storytelling techniques for leaders and innovators who want to communicate ideas with greater clarity and impact.

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I also provide customized workshops for organizations where a tailored format would be useful. Get in touch to discuss this option.

GenAI Nerd Channel

Practical AI learning beyond the classroom.

I share accessible explanations, tool comparisons and demonstrations of generative AI for business and innovation.

Visit the channel

Research

How organizations collaborate, innovate and transform.

My research explores the intersections of collaboration, innovation and organizational transformation, with a focus on how companies navigate technological change and build effective innovation ecosystems.

Explore research and publications

Collaboration for InnovationPartnerships, alliances and ecosystems

Entrepreneurship & TransformationEntrepreneurs and established firms in technological change

R&D Alliances & GovernanceManaging research and development collaborations

Innovation EcosystemsTrust, coordination and orchestration

Intellectual PropertyManaging knowledge in collaborative innovation

Human Side of InnovationLearning, behavior and organizational culture

Academic background

A career in innovation and entrepreneurship research.

Before joining WHU, I held professorial positions at the University of Groningen and the University of Twente. I received my PhD in Applied Economics from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

2018 – presentFull Professor, WHU

2011 – 2018Full Professor, University of Groningen

2007 – 2011University of Twente

2006PhD in Applied Economics, KU Leuven

Contact

Get in touch.

I welcome conversations about WHU workshops, speaking, academic collaboration, media contributions and innovation.

dries.faems@whu.edu

WHU workshopsDiscuss a program or customized format →Speaking and mediaInvite me to contribute or speak →Academic collaborationConnect around research and innovation →