
Prof. Dr. Mirko Schönfeldt
Chairman & Director of European Economic Law
Kontakt: schoenfeldt[at]iner.nbs.de

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Sorgenfrei
Director of Maritime Affairs
Kontakt: sorgenfrei[at]nbs.de

Prof. Dr. Michael Stuwe
Director of Logistics, Rail and Transport
Kontakt: stuwe[at]iner.nbs.de

Dr. Benjamin Pfannkuch
Director of International Trade
Kontakt: pfannkuch[at]iner.nbs.de
Oliver-Andreas Leszczynski
Deputy Chairman & Director of Artificial Intelligence
Phone or leszczynski@iner.nbs.de
Oliver-Andreas Leszczynski stands at the forefront of technological transformation in the maritime manufacturing industry as a leading authority on artificial intelligence and innovation. Serving as Director for Artificial Intelligence at the Institute of Northern-European Economic Research (INER), he also heads the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation department and holds the position of Deputy Chairman of the Institute. His illustrious career, spanning over 15 years, is underscored by a profound commitment to advancing AI applications within industries that are as traditional as they are essential. With a scholarly background in Political Science, Business Management, and Applied Artificial Intelligence, Leszczynski possesses an extraordinary blend of knowledge that enables him to seamlessly integrate complex economic theories with cutting-edge technological methodologies.
In his roles at both INER and several private maritime companies, Leszczynski drives large-scale AI initiatives focused on modernizing manufacturing processes and pioneering digital transformation strategies. His expertise in data-driven solutions and automation has substantially impacted industrial practices, opening new avenues for business growth and operational efficiency. He leads research on AI-supported deep sea mining, highlighting his belief that the responsible adoption of emerging technologies can serve as a powerful catalyst for global progress. His forthcoming book on deep sea mining exemplifies his dedication to sharing knowledge and shaping discourse in this rapidly evolving domain.
A staunch advocate of transatlantic partnerships, Leszczynski recognizes the pivotal role of international collaboration in fostering collective innovation and strategic leadership. His efforts to integrate AI solutions across borders reflect his broader vision of uniting technology and economics for mutual benefit, emphasizing that close cooperation between Europe and the United States is vital for global prosperity and security. His dedication to advancing AI also aligns with his firm conviction in the Austrian school of economics—particularly the Hayekian principles of individual liberty, market-driven efficiencies, and limited but strategic government interventions. Leszczynski’s perspective merges economic liberalism with targeted investments in AI and digitalization, which he contends are key to sustaining a competitive edge in the world market.
Throughout his career, Leszczynski has proven adept at both anticipating and shaping technological trends, especially within the maritime industry. His leadership style champions data-driven innovation as well as flexible, forward-thinking policy frameworks that can adapt to evolving market dynamics. By integrating advanced AI strategies at the organizational level, he has spurred transformative change in manufacturing processes, thereby reinforcing the maritime sector’s global prominence.
Leszczynski’s influence extends beyond research and policy, as he continues to occupy key strategic roles in private maritime enterprises, overseeing AI strategies and data strategies that strengthen organizational competitiveness. He remains a fervent believer in the power of AI to revolutionize industrial ecosystems, seeking to empower companies and governments alike to harness technology’s full potential. As part of his broader mission, he envisions a future wherein AI and digitalization unite continents, catalyze industry-wide advancements, and foster a cohesive, liberal economic landscape consistent with classical liberal thought.
Whether through his current book projects, his stewardship of AI-supported deep sea mining research, or his leadership in the strategic initiatives at INER, Oliver-Andreas Leszczynski exemplifies the spirit of innovative excellence and intellectual rigor. In doing so, he underscores not just the transformative capacity of AI, but also the importance of sound economic principles, open international collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to global progress.