Friedrich Morlock

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Friedrich Morlock is an expert in the digital and sustainable transformation of industry (the "Twin Transition"). He serves as Professor of Digitalization and Sustainability in Production at Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (HRW) and is an active entrepreneur and consultant.

​In his work, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and industrial application. Prior to his academic appointment, Morlock held management positions, including at the specialty chemicals leader Evonik Industries, where he headed global process optimization and digitalization initiatives.

​His research and teaching focus on the key pillars of the factory of the future: He develops concepts for Human-Centric Manufacturing (Industry 5.0) and sustainable production, where human expertise is augmented by Industrial AI to master increasingly complex processes. A central focus of his mission is Engineering Leadership: Prof. Morlock equips engineers and technical executives with the mindset and competencies required to move beyond mere technical administration and toward entrepreneurial leadership in a volatile world. To achieve this, he utilizes highly practical, hands-on Learning Factories.

​Furthermore, Friedrich Morlock is an appointed member of the VDI Technical Committee on "Lean Management" (VDI-Fachausschuss „Ganzheitliche Produktionssysteme“). His academic record includes teaching assignments at IU International University ("Data Science Industry 4.0") and the Euro-FH University of Applied Sciences Hamburg ("Human-Robot Collaboration and Assistance Systems"), as well as a research stay at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.