Erwin Rauch received his B.Sc. in Logistics and Production Engineering from the Free University in Bolzano (Italy). He also holds a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University Munich (TUM) and a M.Sc. in Business Administration from the TUM Business School. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Stuttgart with summa cum laude. Currently he is an Endowed Professor for Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing at the Free University of Bolzano. In addition he is the Head of the Smart Mini Factory laboratory for Industry 4.0. He is also the author of over 200 scientific contributions and an expert/member of various associations and organisations (Associate Member EuroScience, Expert Group World Manufacturing Forum, EPIEM Steering Board).