Prof. Yildirim, could you please provide us with more insight into your background and your role within ITU? 

I have over 20 years of experience in the industry, where I worked as a systems developer, organization design and process management specialist, director, and management consultant. After earning my PhD, I transitioned to academia and began teaching and conducting research at ITU. Currently, I am an Associate Professor in the Management Engineering Department, where I work in a multi- and interdisciplinary way, aiming to bridge the gap between industry and academia. 

As an engineer and scholar, I’ve always been passionate about creating positive social impact, which drives my work in sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and technology for good. I am also working as a member of the board in ITU social innovation centre.   

I have also represented ITU as a work package leader in the EELISA InnoCORE project, which was an incredibly inspiring experience, collaborating with esteemed colleagues across the EELISA network. Presently, I continue my involvement in EELISA 2.0, focusing on employability and internships. 

 
You are conducting research in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, work as an entrepreneurship mentor and social impact analyst. In recent years, as challenges and crises seem to be more pronounced, have you noticed any shift towards more impactful innovations? 

Absolutely! A few decades ago, business models were primarily focused on maximizing revenue at any cost. This was something that used to frustrate me, and I often encouraged my mentees to incorporate social and sustainable dimensions into their value propositions. However, the landscape has significantly shifted, especially with the pressing global challenges we face today. 

The turning point came when the European research agenda and the European Commission (EC) began to support the concept of social innovation. This marked a shift in the entrepreneurial agenda, and now, sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship have become central topics. In today’s context, we urgently need sustainable solutions to improve resource efficiency, achieve sustainability targets, and build a robust circular economy for a brighter future. I believe every innovative and entrepreneurial endeavor now touches at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

It’s inspiring to witness the tremendous efforts from innovators and entrepreneurs to introduce regenerative, circular, and resource-efficient technologies and practices. We’re also seeing breakthroughs in reducing hunger, improving health and education, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. In all technology development projects, the social and environmental impact approach is a determinant component anymore. The same applies to all innovative and entrepreneurial efforts.  

The twin transition (green and digital) and Industry 5.0 have paved a clear path forward. With support from EC policies and a shift in industry mindsets toward more sustainable, responsible, and open innovation, I’m hopeful for the future. 

 
One of your focus areas is social and sustainable innovation. EELISA’s mission is to educate future change-makers who work on real-world challenges related to the SDGs during their studies. What do you think is the most important thing for them to learn? 

The new generation of entrepreneurs and researchers is deeply committed to creating sustainable impact and driving change collaboratively. The ResearchComp framework offers a comprehensive overview of the competences researchers need to address grand challenges, including cognitive abilities, collaboration, and self-management—skills that are equally relevant for future change-makers. Among these, the ability to generate impact through open innovation and knowledge transfer stands out. Openness and collaboration are essential for achieving meaningful results through co-creation. For me, effective communication with the broader public is a powerful tool for fostering systemic change. We’ve seen that successful, impactful innovations are often driven by collaboration and awareness-raising efforts. I believe that future change-makers will maximize their potential by embracing co-learning and lifelong learning. 

 
Lastly, could you share what you find to be the most compelling aspect of EELISA for innovators? 

Well, EELISA is itself a CHANGE MAKER! I EELISA is more than just an alliance; it’s a transformative ecosystem of universities driving change. I encourage all aspiring change-makers to join the EELISA communities, where the combined knowledge, resources, people, and passions of its partners unite around shared missions across a wide range of topics. EELISA communities offer exciting opportunities for co-creation and collaboration, making them ideal for innovators and entrepreneurs seeking partnerships. The international scope of EELISA enables innovators to transcend geographic and cultural boundaries, reaching broader audiences to better understand needs, test ideas, and find potential collaborators. By being part of this expansive network of cross-national researchers, students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and civil society, they can overcome limitations related to resources, knowledge, and market access.