As a seasoned leader in innovation and technology, Golaleh Ebrahimpur, CEO of Chalmers Industriteknik Gothenburg, Sweden, brings over three decades of expertise to the table.
With a background in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Technology Economics and Organization, Golaleh has worked across various industries, honing her skills in strategy, business development, and change leadership. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights on the key factors driving innovation, the transformative power of big data and AI, and the role of GATE Institute in shaping the future of Bulgaria’s innovation ecosystem.
Q: What are the main factors that create conditions for the development of innovation? What cannot innovation do without?
Golaleh Ebrahimpur: Every innovation process starts with creativity. Once you have a creative idea, it’s crucial to have a supportive context to nurture it. This context should include key elements such as a strong network, the right competencies, and, of course, sufficient funding and investment. However, one of the most critical aspects is culture—a culture that not only allows creativity but actively promotes and encourages it. Without creativity, innovation simply cannot happen.
Q: How do innovations based on big data and artificial intelligence change the way businesses work, and how do they affect people’s lives?
Golaleh Ebrahimpur: Big data has already had a profound impact on business, and from what I see, we are only scratching the surface. It has revolutionized decision-making processes, automation, efficiency, and even enabled entirely new business models. When business operations transform, it naturally affects society and people’s lives. For instance, AI-driven solutions in healthcare are changing how services are provided, improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of care.
Q: Chalmers Industriteknik is one of the founding organizations of the GATE Institute, the first Eastern European center of excellence in big data and artificial intelligence. What does your organization bring to the Institute and to Bulgaria in general?
Golaleh Ebrahimpur: Our organization has been deeply embedded in the innovation ecosystem since the early 80s, giving us extensive experience in navigating the complexities of innovation processes. In Bulgaria, there is a wealth of talent, and the tech ecosystem is already quite robust. What we bring to GATE is the know-how in managing the uncertainties inherent in innovation. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial—these are skills you can’t just learn from a book. We hope to transfer this knowledge to GATE, helping it become a hub for knowledge transfer that benefits the broader Bulgarian society.
Q: In your opinion, what is the potential for the development of innovations in Bulgaria, and how can GATE Institute, in partnership with your organization, contribute to turning scientific achievements into a driving force for improving society’s life?
Golaleh Ebrahimpur: Bulgaria has immense potential for innovation, driven by talented individuals and creative research projects. GATE Institute, although relatively new, has already shown promising results and is just beginning its journey. I see GATE as a pivotal point for learning and innovation, not just in Bulgaria but potentially across Europe. The impact of AI and big data will undoubtedly be significant locally, and GATE has the potential to drive meaningful change in the innovation ecosystems of Bulgaria and beyond.