Engineering transformation: How Fraunhofer IEM is empowering system engineers to break down silos and lead change
This summer, Dr. Anja Schierbaum, head of systems engineering at Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Systems Design (Fraunhaufer IEM), will share insights from her innovative Engineering Management Transformation course at Realize LIVE Europe 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands (June 30 – July 2).
Her session will spotlight how this newly designed class offers an educational experience that is anything but traditional.
As Dr. Schierbaum explains, “It’s not just a series of isolated content modules. It’s a dynamic, evolving learning experience that looks at transformation in a holistic way through the lenses of technology, people and organizations.”
Translating research into hands-on training with industry applications
The course emerged from Fraunhofer IEM’s Engineering the Future initiative, which involved extensive collaboration with industry partners to identify strategic priorities for engineering in Germany. This research-backed program takes a unique approach by creating different learning paths for engineers, experts and decision-makers while bringing them together in peer groups.
“The participants don’t just learn from experts; they also learn from each other through exchange, networking and shared challenges,” notes Dr. Schierbaum. “It’s a hands-on, challenge-based approach grounded in real industry examples.”
Equipping engineers to create holistic solutions for industries’ biggest challenges
The timing couldn’t be more critical as engineering faces major transformation. “Companies need to rethink how they approach engineering, not just by empowering technical experts but also equipping leaders and decision makers to tackle the big, disruptive challenges that we are all facing,” says Dr. Schierbaum.
Her session will explore how the course combines:
- Blended learning with digital and in-person components
- Peer group interaction and individual coaching
- State-of-the-art engineering technologies, including AI-driven software
- Cross-industry and interdisciplinary perspectives
For Dr. Schierbaum, successful transformation requires moving beyond traditional silos: “Instead of focusing on strictly defined fields like mechanical or computer engineering, we should introduce interdisciplinary projects and systems thinking much earlier in the curriculum.”
Join us at Realize LIVE Europe 2025, the premier intersection of industry and academia
Dr. Schierbaum’s presentation is just one of many exciting Global Academic and Future Workforce sessions at Realize LIVE Europe 2025.
If you’re an educator looking to learn more about the latest trends in industry and how business and academia can come together to address the engineering skills gap, you won’t want to miss this event.
As an educator, you can still take advantage of special academic rates for Realize LIVE Europe 2025 tickets.
Learn more about Siemens Global Academic and Future Workforce Program at Realize LIVE Europe.
