The scholarship is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD and the programme supports academics who demonstrate strong research potential and aims to foster international collaboration between German universities and institutions worldwide.
“My research focuses on the transition of South Africa's automotive sector towards electric vehicles and the circular economy.
"Specifically, I will be working with researchers at Leipzig University over four weeks to develop a framework that helps automotive SME suppliers assess and improve their readiness for the transition to more sustainable and circular business models, says Ms Koeberg-Van Boomen.
The scholarship supports an independent research project but is also closely aligned with the direction of Algene’s proposed Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) research. The collaboration will help strengthen and refine her broader research agenda that she intends to pursue through her doctoral studies, she says.
According to Ms Koeberg-Van Boomen Leipzig University has internationally recognised expertise in innovation management, sustainable industrial transformation and the automotive sector. Working alongside leading researchers will provide access to specialised knowledge, research methodologies and European best practices in circular economy implementation and electric vehicle value chains.
She will be working closely with the Chair of Innovation Management and Innovation Economics at Leipzig University, Professor Andreas Posselt and members of his research team.
She also believes that the collaboration will co-develop research outputs, strengthen international partnerships between Nelson Mandela University and Leipzig University, and ensure that the research is both globally relevant and practically applicable to the South African context.
“This is a significant milestone in my academic career. It provides an opportunity to build international research networks, collaborate with leading scholars and enhance my research capacity in an area of growing global importance.
“As a lecturer, the experience will allow me to bring current international perspectives, industry developments and research insights into the classroom, enriching the learning experience of our students says Ms Koeberg-Van Boomen says.
As a researcher, it opens the door to future collaborative projects, joint publications and long-term partnerships between Nelson Mandela University and Leipzig University. It also contributes research that supports South Africa's transition towards a more sustainable and competitive automotive industry, she says.