Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Prof. Dr. Jakob Edler

Executive Director

Professor Jakob Edler has been the Executive Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI since October 2018. He is also Professor of Innovation Policy and Strategy at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR, UK), which he led from 2011 until September 2018.

Before joining MIoIR in January 2007, he worked in the Department for Innovation Systems and Policy at Fraunhofer ISI, initially as a researcher (1999-2004), then as the department’s Deputy Head (2004-2006) and finally as its Head (2006).

His research interests lie in the analysis and conceptualization of governance and policy in science and innovation, with a more recent focus on the role of these policies in the context of transformation. In recent years, his work has focused on the conceptualization of technological sovereignty, demand-side innovation policy (including public procurement of innovations) and, more generally, the role of the state in the governance of transformations. Another long-standing area of interest is exploring the impact of science and scientific advice on policymaking. His publication profile can be found here.

Jakob Edler has advised numerous public bodies at all political levels. His research has been funded by the UK Research Council, the EU, and other international organizations (such as OECD and WIPO), as well as numerous national and regional bodies in many European countries. 

He is an appointed member of the German Council of Science and Humanities, a member of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and an elected member of the German National Academy of Science and Engineering (Acatech).  

Since July 2023, he has been Chairman of the Fraunhofer Group for Innovation Research. From June 2016 to June 2021, he was President of the European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation (Eu-SPRI Forum).

Jakob Edler was awarded his PhD in Political Science by the University of Mannheim (with distinction), having previously completed two separate master’s degrees at the University of Mannheim (Business Administration/Management and Political Science/Economic History), including one year at Dartmouth College, USA. He did an internship at the European Commission during his PhD.

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