Alfred Zimmermann is a Professor at Reutlingen University, Germany, Director of Research and Speaker of the Doctoral Program for Services Computing at the Herman Hollerith Center, Boeblingen, Germany. His research chiefly focuses on digital transformation and digital enterprise architectures with decision analytics in close connection with digital strategies and governance, software architectures and engineering, artificial intelligence, data analytics, the Internet of Things, services computing, and cloud computing. He graduated with a degree in Medical Informatics from Heidelberg University, Germany, and obtained his Ph.D. in Informatics from the University of Stuttgart, Germany. Besides his academic experience, he has a strong practical background as a Technology Manager and Leading Consultant at Daimler AG, Germany. Professor Zimmermann also maintains academic ties between his home university and the German Computer Science Society (GI), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the IEEE, where he is involved in various research groups, programs, and initiatives. He serves on numerous editorial boards and program committees and has published the results of his research at conferences, workshops, and in books and journals. Additionally, he supports industrial cooperation research projects and public research programs. Robert Howlett is the Executive Chair of KES International, a non-profit organization that facilitates the dissemination of research results in areas including intelligent systems, sustainability, and knowledge transfer. A Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University, UK, his technical expertise is in the use of intelligent systems to solve industrial problems. He has been successful in applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related technologies to sustainability and renewable energy systems; condition monitoring, diagnostic tools, and systems; and automotive electronics and engine management systems. His current research focuses on the use of smart microgrids to achieve reduced energy costs and lower carbon emissions in areas such as housing and protected horticulture. Dr. Lakhmi C. Jain, Ph.D., M.E., Fellow (Engineers Australia), is affiliated with the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and Liverpool Hope University, UK. Professor Jain serves with KES International, which provides the professional community with opportunities for publication, knowledge exchange, cooperation, and teambuilding. Involving over 5,000 researchers drawn from universities and companies worldwide, KES facilitates international cooperation and generates synergy in teaching and research. KES regularly provides networking opportunities for the professional community through one of the largest conferences of its kind.
