Prof. Dr. Frank Teuteberg

What motivates your research on sustainability in global value chains?

My motivation stems from a deep belief that technology - when thoughtfully applied - can drive meaningful change. As an information systems professor, I see the immense potential of AI and digital tools to illuminate the often opaque structures of global value chains. The complexity of these networks fascinates me, and I’m driven by the opportunity to contribute to a more transparent, fair, and sustainable global economy. The environmental and social impacts of supply networks are vast, and understanding them through the lens of data and information systems thinking feels both urgent and empowering.

Which key challenges or opportunities do you see in making value chains more sustainable?

One major challenge lies in the lack of end-to-end visibility across actors and processes - especially in multinational, multi-tiered supply networks. But this challenge is also where I see a key opportunity: leveraging AI to collect, integrate, and analyze data across these layers can uncover inefficiencies, risks, and sustainability gaps that were previously hidden. The opportunity to make value chains not only more sustainable but also more resilient and responsive through digital means is an exciting frontier.

How does your current work contribute to sustainability governance in global value chains?

Our research explores how AI technologies can support more informed and adaptive governance mechanisms in global supply networks. We’re looking at how digital transparency tools, predictive analytics, and information systems can empower decision-makers to act on sustainability data more proactively. Our work contributes by developing design knowledge on how innovative solutions for important sustainability problems in global value chains can be effectively created and by designing frameworks and tools that are both technologically robust and practically applicable, bridging the gap between data science and governance for sustainability.

What excites you most about being part of this research network?

What excites me most is the interdisciplinary collaboration. Working alongside experts from fields like political science, economics, law, and environmental studies pushes me to think beyond the boundaries of information systems. It’s in these exchanges that truly innovative ideas emerge. I’m particularly inspired by the shared commitment within our network to create actionable knowledge that doesn’t stay in academic journals, but makes a real-world impact.