Prof. Dr. Sam Solaimani appointed Professor of Digital Technology, Innovation & Operations Management

As of October 1, Prof. Dr. Sam Solaimani (1981) has been appointed Professor of Digital Technology, Innovation & Operations Management at Nyenrode Business University. With this appointment, Nyenrode strengthens its position as a thought leader in the digital transformation of operations, bridging the gap between technological possibilities and organizational realities. The chair is housed within the Nyenrode Center for Marketing & Supply Chain Management.

Expertise in Digital Transformation

Solaimani’s expertise lies in digital operations management and technology-driven organizational change. With a background in information systems and management, he earned his PhD at Delft University of Technology on the design and implementation of business and operational models. Since 2014, he has been affiliated with Nyenrode, where he has held various academic and leadership roles, including Director of the International MBA program. In addition, he has experience as a strategic advisor in the financial services sector and the public domain. His work demonstrates that technology is necessary but never sufficient on its own: sustainable change always requires organizational strength.

“Technology Alone Is Not Enough”

According to Solaimani, digital transformation has reached a tipping point:
“Digital technology is evolving from a passive enabler into a proactive driver of innovative business models, new user experiences, and operational efficiency. But the real challenge does not lie in the technology itself, but in developing dynamic capabilities—the ability of organizations to continuously adapt and reinvent themselves. In nine out of ten cases, transformations fail not because of technology, but because of a lack of these capabilities.”

Solaimani underscores the complexity: “Successful transformation requires organizational readiness, adaptive structures, innovative capacity, and fundamental change in operating models, human behavior, and leadership in particular—while ensuring continuity.”

He draws a parallel with earlier revolutions: “Just as the Industrial Revolution was not solely about the steam engine but about the restructuring of labor and society, today’s digital revolution is not merely about AI, data, or cloud computing, but about fundamentally redesigning how organizations create and deliver value.”

Strategic Significance for Nyenrode

Prof. Dr. Bo van der Rhee, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Chair of the Appointment Advisory Committee: “It is wonderful that with this chair we can once again fully welcome Sam into Nyenrode’s faculty. His research and teaching on digital transformation bridge theory and practice, giving our students and partners the tools to use technology in a truly strategic way.”

Prof. Dr. Ir. Kitty Koelemeijer, Professor of Marketing and Director of the Center for Marketing & Supply Chain Management, also emphasizes the value of this appointment:
“Sam Solaimani’s appointment aligns perfectly with the expertise and ambitions of the Center for Marketing & Supply Chain Management. His presence enriches our education and research at the intersection of digital technology and operations.”

Looking Ahead

According to Solaimani, it is only a matter of time before the label ‘digital’ becomes redundant:
“By 2035, we will no longer distinguish between digital and non-digital organizations. The only distinction will be between those that have developed their organizational ‘muscles’ and those that have not. As a business university, we cannot—and will not—ignore this.”