Prof. Dr. Alexander Knauer holds the professorship for Future Technologies and Entrepreneurship at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (HSMW), Germany, where his research and teaching explore emerging technology trends, digital business models, and the future of work – the skills and mindsets that help organizations navigate change. He advises SMEs, banks, and municipal institutions on digital transformation and serves on investment-related boards, including for High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF).

Alongside his academic role, Alexander is Managing Director of Teleskopeffekt GmbH, where he leads the startup hub and guides the go-to-market strategies of portfolio startups.
He studied at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, earning his PhD on the performance effects of private equity buyouts, and held leadership positions at Invia Group/Unister Holding before returning to academia.
A former e-Resident of Estonia, he has long followed the country’s digitalization journey and remains a keen observer of “E-Estonia” best practice.