Katharina Harres, Ph.D.
About Katharina Harres, Ph.D.
Katharina Harres, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Operations at Plug and Play Tech Center in Zurich, Switzerland, bringing extensive experience in managing innovation platforms across various sectors.
Work at Plug and Play Tech Center
Katharina Harres, Ph.D., currently serves as the Director of Operations at Plug and Play Tech Center in Zurich, Switzerland, a position she has held since 2021. Previously, she worked at Plug and Play Tech Center in various roles, including Director of Operations from 2019 to 2021 in Sunnyvale, California, and as a Ventures Associate from 2013 to 2014 in Silicon Valley, USA. During her tenure, she developed a global internal knowledge base utilized by over 500 employees across more than 50 locations worldwide. Harres played a significant role in establishing and managing the 'Plug and Play Retail' innovation platform, collaborating with major corporate partners such as P&G, Panasonic, and Henkel.
Education and Expertise
Katharina Harres earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cultural Administration & Arts Management from the University of Ludwigsburg, Germany, from 2009 to 2013. She also holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) in the same field from the same university, completed between 2006 and 2008. Earlier, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Musicology & Cultural Studies from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) from 2002 to 2006. Additionally, she participated in the European Exchange Program ERASMUS at the University of Bergamo, Italy, focusing on Musicology & Communication Studies in 2005-2006. Harres has extensive experience managing innovation platforms, particularly in mobility, retail, and corporate startup programs.
Background
Before her current role at Plug and Play Tech Center, Katharina Harres worked at STARTUP AUTOBAHN (powered by Plug and Play) as Accelerator Director from 2016 to 2017 in Stuttgart, Germany. She also served as the Head of Creative Industries Department and Project Manager at the Economic Development Department of the City of Stuttgart from 2009 to 2012. Her background includes leading the pan-European innovation project 'ECCE Innovation,' sponsored by the European Union, which involved partners from multiple countries including France, the UK, and Germany.
Achievements
Katharina Harres has made significant contributions to the field of innovation management. At Plug and Play Tech Center, she developed a global internal knowledge base that supports over 500 employees worldwide. She played a key role in establishing the 'Plug and Play Retail' innovation platform, collaborating with high-profile partners like P&G, Panasonic, and Henkel. Her leadership in the 'ECCE Innovation' project, which received sponsorship from the European Union, highlights her ability to manage complex, multi-national initiatives.