Dr. Robert Peters

Curriculum vitae

Dr. Robert Peters is a policy advisor and economic historian and has served as Director of the Institute for Innovation and Technology (iit) at VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH since April 2026. He is responsible for the institute’s strategic direction and development and advises decision-makers in government, public administration, and business on major challenges relating to the future and economic and societal transformation.

His areas of expertise include innovation and technology policy, industrial transformation, and the future of work. At the heart of his work is the question of how technological progress can be translated into economic competitiveness and societal prosperity. He combines scientific analysis with strategic policy advice, working with stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to develop strategic approaches to complex challenges.

Before becoming Director, he headed the Research Group on Work and Futures Studies. He has extensive experience providing strategic advice to federal and state ministries, European institutions, companies, and industry associations.

Peters earned his doctorate with distinction from RWTH Aachen University, where his research focused on industrial transformation and the economic implications of digitalization. He is also the author of Land der Ohnmacht?, a book exploring the roots of collective powerlessness and how Germany can regain its capacity to act and shape its own future. In addition to his work as a policy advisor, he is an active speaker and moderator who regularly contributes to academic and public debates on Germany’s economic and societal future.