Steffen Schreiber

Head of Innovation & Technology Scouting | Building Corporate Tech Hubs in Industrial High‑Tech | Innovation Management, Technology Strategy & University Collaboration

Landau in der Pfalz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

About

I am a senior innovation leader with a strong track record in building and leading global innovation and technology scouting functions in the industrial high‑tech environment (precision engineering, automation, photonics). I combine strategic foresight with hands‑on execution and a deep understanding of how to turn emerging technologies into tangible business impact. Over the last years, I have: - Built and led a global innovation & technology scouting setup, connecting R&D, business units and selected external partners. - Established a structured pipeline for emerging technologies and new business opportunities, from early scouting to validation and implementation. - Initiated and managed collaborations with universities and research institutes to access deep‑tech know‑how and accelerate technology adoption. - Driven internal innovation programs, awards and formats that strengthen a culture of innovation and cross‑functional collaboration. I enjoy working at the intersection of technology, business and people – translating complex technologies into strategic options and concrete initiatives. Going forward, I am interested in senior roles such as Head/Director Innovation, Technology Scouting or New Business in industrial B2B environments.

Experience

  • PI (Physik Instrumente) Group (Карлсруе · On-site)
    • Director Global Innovation & Scouting and Head of PI Technology Hub Karlsruhe
      Jan 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

      Leading the global innovation and technology scouting function for a high‑tech industrial company, connecting R&D, business units and external partners to turn emerging technologies into new business opportunities. - Built and scaled a global innovation & technology scouting setup, covering key regions and technology fields relevant for precision engineering, automation and photonics. - Defined and implemented a structured process to identify, assess and prioritize emerging technologies, from early scanning to proof‑of‑concept and business validation. - Initiated and managed collaborations with universities and research institutes, creating access to deep‑tech know‑how and joint technology projects. - Established internal innovation formats (e.g. innovation awards, idea challenges, communities) to foster a culture of innovation and cross‑functional collaboration. - Advised senior management and business units on technology trends, strategic options and innovation roadmaps, supporting portfolio and investment decisions. - Led cross‑functional teams and virtual networks of experts across R&D, product management and business development to drive selected innovation initiatives to implementation.

    • Head of Corporate Advanced Research
      Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 · 1 yr

      Leading an interdisciplinary advanced research team, focusing on new technologies and digital solutions for future products and systems. - Led an interdisciplinary team of 13 experts in advanced research, digitalization and systems engineering. - Defined and managed the corporate advanced research roadmap, aligning technology fields with business and R&D strategies. - Drove idea and innovation management activities, from ideation to early validation of concepts and demonstrators. - Coordinated trend, innovation and technology scouting activities in close collaboration with product development and business units. - Acted as internal expert for product digitalization, advising on architecture, connectivity and data-driven services.

    • Senior Expert Advanced Development
      Jan 2020 - Dec 2020 · 1 yr

      Senior expert in advanced development with a focus on digitalization, predictive maintenance and industrial communication. - Developed concepts and architectures for digital solutions in the areas of predictive maintenance and connected systems. - Evaluated and prototyped industrial communication technologies (e.g. fieldbus, Ethernet-based protocols) for next-generation products. - Contributed expertise on data analytics and condition monitoring to cross‑functional development projects. - Supported product and R&D teams in translating digitalization use cases into technical requirements and system designs.

  • Member, IHK Technology Advisory Committee (IHK Technologieausschuss) at IHK Karlsruhe
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    Serving as a member of the technology committee, contributing expertise on technology trends, digitalization and innovation topics relevant for regional industry and SMEs.

  • Project Engineer Research & Development – Technische Universität Dresden at Technische Universität Dresden
    Sep 2003 - Nov 2011 · 8 yrs 3 mos

    Project engineer in research and development with a focus on reverse engineering, quality assurance and optical metrology. - Planned and executed R&D projects in the fields of reverse engineering, CAD/CAM and quality assurance. - Implemented reverse engineering process chains at industrial customers, from 3D scanning to digital models and documentation. - Conducted trainings and lectures on reverse engineering, design engineering and computer science for students and industry partners. - Supervised employees and students in research projects and took over project management responsibilities. - Presented research results at national and international conferences.