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Rick Wielens has a diverse work experience spanning different industries and roles. Rick started their career at Royal Philips Electronics as a Logistics manager from 1999 to 2001. Rick then worked as a Business development executive at SAP systems integration AG from 2003 to 2004, where they focused on developing business and partnerships in the SAP consulting area.

Wielens returned to Royal Philips Electronics and served as an IT demand manager from 2004 to 2006, playing a key role in translating business requirements into IT solutions and creating roadmaps.

In 2007, Wielens joined HIP Europe, where they held the position of Partner in Technology and Business Acceleration and Open Innovation Network. In this role, they supported companies by leveraging a network of experts and providing technical expertise, consulting, and project management support. Rick remained with HIP Europe until 2014.

Wielens then joined NineSigma, where they held various roles from 2010 to 2016, including Vice President Europe and CEO of NineSigma Europe. Rick'swork focused on innovating innovation by helping companies implement collaborative innovation practices and business model absorption.

From 2016 to 2021, Wielens co-founded and directed two organizations: the Open Innovation Academy and the House of Open Innovation. These organizations aimed to promote and implement open innovation practices through education and practical application.

Most recently, Wielens co-founded ESTI in 2019, where they serve as a Co-Founder. ESTI focuses on accelerating innovation and solving real-world problems through customized programs and open innovation processes.

Rick Wielens began their education in 1992 at Verkeersacademie (VAT) Tilburg HTS, where they pursued a BA in Traffic Engineering. Rick completed this program in 1996. Following that, they enrolled in the University of Westminster, where they obtained their M.Sc. in Transport Planning and Management in 1997.