Dr. Guven Gurkan Inan earned his PhD in Management from Heriot-Watt University, where his doctoral thesis examined the formation of organisational capabilities within micro-manufacturing enterprises. He also holds an MSc in Logistics and Operations Management from Cardiff University, investigating volume flexibility in Turkey’s clothing sector, and a BSc in Industrial Engineering from Kocaeli University, focusing on Lean Six Sigma for tyre manufacturing. Additionally, he is a Certified Lean Consultant for Model Factories, awarded by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology.

Since September 2022, Dr. Inan has served as an Assistant Professor of Operations Management at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Prior to this role, he held academic positions at Samsun University and Ardahan University in Türkiye, specialising in industrial engineering and production management. His industry background includes a tenure at Goodyear Rubber and Tyre as a Continuous Improvement Engineer, affording him first-hand insights into operational challenges and solutions.

His research centres on strengthening organisational capabilities in manufacturing SMEs, with a dual focus on digitalisation and sustainability. Dr. Inan’s scholarly activities include publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences such as the Logistics Research Network and the Cambridge International Manufacturing Symposium, APMS, and actively pursuing funding opportunities. Notably, he has contributed to an Interface Project led by Dr. Luciana Blaha, served as Co-Investigator on an Innovate UK bid, and is leading a SMDH DIF Lighthouse project titled “Building Digital Capabilities in Manufacturing SMEs,” which aims to provide practical roadmaps for SMEs navigating digital transformation. As Principal Investigator for an SMDH Lighthouse project, Dr. Inan has visited over twenty manufacturing SMEs across the UK, exploring digital capabilities and identifying opportunities for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

From conducting feasibility studies for stove manufacturers to redesigning chemical processes at jeans factories, Dr. Inan’s knowledge-exchange initiatives exemplify his commitment to achieving measurable impact. By leveraging academic research to address real-world problems, he fosters a culture of innovation that benefits local industries and enriches the broader academic community. Through this holistic approach—merging impactful scholarship, immersive teaching, and active industry collaboration—Dr. Inan continually strives to equip manufacturing SMEs with the capabilities needed to thrive in an evolving global landscape.

I serve as the Principal Investigator of the Manufacturing SME Audit Service project, funded by the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH), with a total budget of approximately £156,000. This initiative assists UK manufacturing SMEs in bridging the gap between digital technology adoption and organisational capabilities. In partnership with Heriot-Watt University and Vyne Analytics, the project delivers comprehensive audits, on-site visits, and strategic roadmaps tailored to each SME’s needs. By leveraging capability-performance dashboards and self-assessment tools, participating SMEs gain practical insights on how to implement Industry 4.0 solutions that align with their core business objectives. In addition, the project connects these SMEs to relevant SMDH platforms and services, ensuring long-term growth, competitiveness, and resilience in an evolving digital marketplace.