Hannes Erler
Open Innovation Industry Expert
About Hannes Erler
Hannes is a distinguished authority in the field of corporate innovation, bringing over three decades of experience in shaping high-performance cultures and strategic alliances. As the former VP of Innovation and Strategic Director of Innovation Ecosystems at Swarovski, he spent twenty years transforming the luxury giant’s approach to technology and market adaptation. His leadership in establishing global open innovation networks earned him the prestigious "Best Open Innovation Award" from Zeppelin University, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader capable of successfully translating complex scientific and technological concepts into tangible market value.
His approach to consulting and advisory work bridges the gap between rigorous industrial practice and deep academic insight. Hannes has collaborated with some of the world’s most influential scholars, including Clayton Christensen on Disruptive Strategy, and he frequently lectures at top-tier institutions such as RMIT Melbourne and the University of Innsbruck. In his upcoming book, The Innovation Tribe (2026), he codifies his unique methodology, which weaves together systemic business models, modern neuroscience, and cross-cultural wisdom to help organizations navigate change. This depth of knowledge positions him as a rare expert who understands not just the mechanics of innovation, but the human dynamics required to sustain it.
Today, Hannes serves as a trusted senior advisor, mentor, and international keynote speaker for executives seeking to build resilient, value-driven organizations. Driven by the conviction that innovation must serve both people and the planet, he guides companies in developing "ambidextrous" strategies that balance efficiency with exploration. Based in Austria, Hannes offers partners a seasoned perspective that combines the stability of veteran leadership with the forward-thinking agility required in today’s rapid technology landscape.
His approach to consulting and advisory work bridges the gap between rigorous industrial practice and deep academic insight. Hannes has collaborated with some of the world’s most influential scholars, including Clayton Christensen on Disruptive Strategy, and he frequently lectures at top-tier institutions such as RMIT Melbourne and the University of Innsbruck. In his upcoming book, The Innovation Tribe (2026), he codifies his unique methodology, which weaves together systemic business models, modern neuroscience, and cross-cultural wisdom to help organizations navigate change. This depth of knowledge positions him as a rare expert who understands not just the mechanics of innovation, but the human dynamics required to sustain it.
Today, Hannes serves as a trusted senior advisor, mentor, and international keynote speaker for executives seeking to build resilient, value-driven organizations. Driven by the conviction that innovation must serve both people and the planet, he guides companies in developing "ambidextrous" strategies that balance efficiency with exploration. Based in Austria, Hannes offers partners a seasoned perspective that combines the stability of veteran leadership with the forward-thinking agility required in today’s rapid technology landscape.