Keynote speakers

Dr. Daniel Sperling, Founding Director, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis

Daniel is Distinguished Blue Planet Prize Professor of Engineering and Environmental Science and Policy and founding Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis. He held the transportation seat on the California Air Resources Board for 16 years and served as Chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies in 2015-16.  He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2022, won the 2018 Roy Crum award from TRB, its highest research award, and the 2013 Blue Planet Prize from the Asahi Glass Foundation Prize for being “a pioneer in opening up new fields of study to create more efficient, low-carbon, and environmentally beneficial transportation systems.” He served twice as lead author for the IPCC (sharing 2007 Nobel Peace Prize), and has authored or co-authored over 250 technical papers and 13 books, including Three Revolutions: Steering Automated, Shared and Electric Vehicles to a Better Future (Island Press, 2018) and Two Billion Cars (Oxford University Press, 2009).

Joachim Härsjö, Technical Leader Electrified Propulsion Technologies, Volvo Cars

Joachim has a M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree from Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden. He is currently working as a Technical Leader in the area of Electrified Propulsion Technologies at Volvo Cars.

His technical interests include electric machines, power electronics, control strategies and system engineering.

Henrik Runnemalm, Vice president Global Technology Centre, GKN Aerospace 

Henrik holds the position as Vice President, Global Technology Center at GKN Aerospace Engine a world-leading supplier in the commercial, military and space propulsion industry.

In his current role, Henrik leads the global team developing new technology for future propulsion solutions through integrated technology programs. Henrik has been working in a number of leading positions in GKN Aerospace and has broad experience in both national and international R&T activities.

Henrik is a member of the board for the “Swedish strategic innovation program for aeronautics”, the Technical Committee for Clean Aviation and is member of the Research and Technology Committee of European Aerospace and Defense organization (ASD).  Henrik received his master degree in Mechanical Engineering from Luleå University of Technology where he also received his Ph.D. in computational mechanics. During his doctorate, he spent part of his time at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

Amer Mohammed, Expert in digitalization, innovation, AR and AI

In essence, Amer Mohammed is a programmer and startup entrepreneur. He has several successful, but also less successful, business projects behind him. What sets him apart from many others is that he has never given up. He has followed his own path with the attitude that he will succeed, and this caught the attention of Stena Lines CEO, Dan Olsson.

In a famous lecture in front of Stena Lines personnel, including owner Dan Olsson, Amer Mohammed took the stage and convinced them that the new AI project named "Pluto" would be the future of the company. After a moment of silence and uncertainty among the audience, Dan Olsson stood up and applauded – subsequently, Amer Mohammed founded the Digital Innovation department at Stena Line.

Amer is a true enthusiast and entrepreneur that any company or organization interested in development and digital transformation should get to know.

Thomas Böllinghaus, Head of Department Component Safety, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM)

Thomas is head of the Department Component Safety at the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM). He is also the President of the International Institute of Welding (IIW), the world's leading association in the field of welding technology. He was previously Vice-President and Treasurer of the IIW. During his three-year term of office he want to connect research and development even more intensive with training and teaching in the IIW. He also plans to internationalize the IIW on a broader basis, especially in the countries of Africa and South America. Prof. Böllinghaus has himself conducted intensive research on various aspects of welding technologies. Currently, he focuses on the compatibility of materials and welds at components for green hydrogen technologies in connection with the transition to climate neutrality.

Panel discussion participants

Mélanie Despeisse, Associate Professor in Sustainable Digitalized Production, Chalmers University of Technology

Melanie Despeisse works at the department of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers University of Technology. Her research focuses on the relationship between industrial activities and environmental sustainability at various scales, from operational resource efficiency in manufacturing processes to corporate social responsibility in strategic planning. The aim of her research is to develop tools and methods to help companies in creating better value for society by implementing concepts such as eco-efficiency, circularity and regenerative sustainability.

Lena Killander, Horizon Europe Programme Committe Expert at Vinnova

Lena Killander is working with next generation research funding in the gigantic Horizon Europe. She represents Sweden as an expert in “cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space” focusing on global challenges and European industrial competitiveness.  The current focus is to build a competitive, digital, low-carbon and circular industry, ensure sustainable supply of raw materials, develop advanced materials, and provide the basis for advances and innovation in global challenges to society.  Lena is also state representative in Smart Networks and Services currently focusing on 6G and is one of the program managers in the strategic innovation program P2030.

Cecilia Warrol, Senior Expert, Teknikföretagen

Cecilia Warrol is a Senior Expert in manufacturing and industrial R&D at the Swedish Association of Engineering Industries (Teknikföretagen). Representing 4200 technology and manufacturing companies; from global brands to suppliers and innovative start-ups.

Cecilia is the Programme Director of the Swedish Innovation programme Produktion 2030. A programme focusing on manufacturing industry, investing in cutting edge innovation, education and SME:s. She is active in national and European research and innovation programs. Currently chair of EIT Manufacturing and active member of EFFRA and Manufuture. Serving as adviser to Swedish universities, authorities as well as Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation.

Cecilia is passionate about manufacturing and very proud to be part of actions that drive innovation and strengthens competitiveness across industry, research and the public sector in Sweden as well as in Europe. 

Maria Dollhopf, Programme Manager at the Knowledge Foundation

Maria Dollhopf has a history within life science research and holds a PhD in oncology from Karolinska Institutet. In her current position as Programme Manager at the Knowledge Foundation, she is responsible for the flagship programme within lifelong learning, Expertkompetens, which enables Swedish universities to propel the development of business-relevant educational activities at second cycle level for working professionals. She has also been a member of one of the working groups within the previous government’s Strategic Partnership Programme, “Competence supply and lifelong learning”.

Maria has previous experience as Secretary General within funding of life science research as well as from the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, where she as Project Manager and Division Secretary was involved in the Academy’s activities at the intersection between academia, business and politics.

Luca Costa, CEO, International Institute of Welding (IIW)

Dr Luca Costa is the CEO of the International Institute of Welding (IIW) since 2020. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer in 1998 from Genoa University and has been awarded the diploma of International Welding Engineer (IWE) in 2000.

His first employment was in the Italian Institute of Welding (IIS) where he was involved in research, technical assistance, certification, and standardization activities. His main field of study was Health and Safety and Environment in welding. His major occupation in IIS was in the Education and training department to offer undergraduate and postgraduate training and offered lectures in Italy and abroad on different areas, including welding metallurgy, processes and quality control. He had different levels of responsibility until he reached the head of the department from 2013 until 2019.

Dina Koutsikouri, PhD, Associate Professor in Information Systems, University of Gothenburg

Dina Koutsikouri earned her PhD from the Center for Innovative and Collaborative Engineering (CICE) at Loughborough University, UK. Currently, she is senior lecturer at the Department of Applied IT at University of Gothenburg and affiliated to the Swedish Center for Digital Innovation (SCDI).

Her research spans digital transformation processes, human-technology interaction, and human flourishing in digital worlds. Dina is an experienced action researcher, and she enjoys understanding and resolving practice challenges in organizations. She is also program director for the master’s program Human-centered Artificial Intelligence at University of Gothenburg and teaches in subjects including digital disruption, leadership and change.

Amanda Dalstam, Director Engineering IT, GKN Aerospace

Amanda Dalstam is a dynamic leader, currently serving as the Director of Engineering IT at GKN Aerospace. With a rich background in manufacturing and digital innovation, Amanda plays a pivotal role in driving technological advancements within GKN Aerospace across the globe.

With a Master's degree in Production Development, Amanda combines academic expertise with practical experience to optimize manufacturing processes with human-centric data tools. She is renowned for her capacity to transform complex problems into achievable goals through incremental delivery, ensuring that solutions serve end-users from day one, delivering tangible benefits throughout the development process.

Per Norlander, Vice Chairman, Sveriges Ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden)

Per Norlander has long experience of competence supply and restructuring of Swedish industry. As a successful technology nation, Sweden needs to ensure that qualified labor is available to ensure prosperity, development and innovation.

Moderator

Marie Alpman, Moderator of SPS2024

Marie Alpman is a technology journalist and Civil Engineer from Chalmers. She has a long experience of monitoring technology development in industry.