René Bohnsack, PhD, is Associate Professor for Strategy and Innovation at Católica-Lisbon. René researches the diffusion of technologies and how business models can accelerate diffusion. He has published his research in the best international management and innovation journals (Journal of Business Venturing, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management Studies, California Management Review, Research Policy, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Technovation, Technological Forecasting & Social Change, etc.), presented his research at top international conferences, received the Best Paper Award at the Academy of Management ONE Division 2019, the Best Paper Award in Sustainable Entrepreneurship in 2016, and the 3rd prize for the best innovation management paper 2013. René’s current research focuses on business models, the digital transformation of industries and the role of international market design on business modelling. He shared the findings of his research in an acclaimed TEDx talk in 2019.

Also, Dr. Bohnsack is the founder and head of the Smart City Innovation Lab (SCIL) and the Business Model Design Lab (BMDL), multi-disciplinary research teams working on cutting-edge knowledge on business model innovation and business model teaching. The research of the group focuses on digital, sustainable and international business models and the application of AI for business model innovation. The labs employ currently six researchers who under René’s guidance are lead partners in three major R&D projects concerned with business modelling for digital multi-stakeholder ventures. Moreover, René consults companies on strategic issues related to business modelling, digitalization and internationalization. In total, SCIL and BMDL collaborate with 40+ companies across Europe. René and the team of BMDL is also hosting the award-winning platform Venturely, a unique platform for business modelling.