Steinbeis School of Management and Technology (SMT) in Germany returned to the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) from May 4–8 for its annual International Management Program Conference. Led by Dr. Peter Schupp of Steinbeis University and Megan Herceg of George Mason University’s Institute for Digital Innovation, the program brought together industry partners, faculty experts, and emerging global talent to support around 40 Steinbeis master’s students.

The IDIA–Steinbeis Global Digital Workforce Development Program is the flagship model for international collaboration and digital workforce development at George Mason University. In partnership with the Steinbeis School of Management and Technology (SMT) in Germany, the program brings cohorts of Steinbeis Master’s Fellows—working professionals from companies such as Google, Zeiss, Mercedes‑Benz, and Siemens—to Mason for an intensive innovation residency.

Over five days at the Mason Innovation Exchange, students engaged in a dynamic blend of technology research, business instruction, and entrepreneurial training. Working directly with Mason faculty, graduate students, and local companies, participants explored the American innovation landscape while developing purpose-led, market‑ready business proposals. Their final pitches were evaluated by industry experts and Mason faculty, strengthening cross‑border collaboration and expanding the global perspective of the region’s innovation ecosystem.

This partnership continues to shape a pipeline of future digital leaders equipped to navigate complex, multinational business environments.

Jeremy Muldavin, Cadence, presents on AI Provenance and Traceability

Steinbeis Workshops Included:

Cadence "International Management Focus" - Jeff Johnson, Ben Sarapong, & Charlie Schadewitz

“Supply Chain Management” - Professor Mehmet Altug, Associate Professor of Operations Management, GMU

"International Management" - Professor Maury Peiperl, Management

“Business Perspectives” - Professor Emanuele Francesco Pecora, Associate Director, Institute for Digital Innovation, Rehan Mahmood, Founder and Chief, EngineeRD, and Erika Jones, Chief Director of Innovation, Fairfax County

“Digital Twins” - Professor Shima Mohebbi, Assistant Professor, Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research, GMU

“Communicating Creativity” - Professor Matthew Cronin, Professor of Management, GMU

“German Opportunities in Entrepreneurship” - Jim Wolfe, Entrepreneur in Residence and Associate Professor of Management, GMU

Case Studies - Jeremy Muldavin, Cadence

Case Work Guidance - Professor Hadi Rezazad, Information Sciences and Technology, Professor Jeremy Plotnick, Director of Minor Programs and Business Foundations Area Instructor, and Mayura Padmanabhan, Technical Project Manager, Semiconductor Manufacturing Cybersecurity Consortium at SEMI

MIX Incubator Student Entrepreneur Presentations and Networking Session

MIX Laser Cutting and 3D Printing Workshops