Veronica Jägare

Education

• PhD in Operation and Maintenance Engineering (2022), Luleå University of Technology (Focus on implementation of innovations when digitalising railway maintenance)
• MSc in Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics (1998), Luleå University of Technology (Focus on production systems)

Research

My present research profile builds upon the expressed need for better understanding of how new technology that is expected to create the potential for great benefits and improvements can be adapted, implemented, and integrated in industry. The technology related to digitalisation of operation and maintenance is expected to lead to, among other things more efficient management of assets throughout their entire life cycle using digital technology and artificial intelligence.

The technology transformation and digitalisation affect not only the technical systems, but also regulations, organisations, processes, and individuals. My research identifies and address the challenges associated with technology transformation to define strategies and choose appropriate approaches, methodologies and technologies that enable the successful implementation of innovations.

The digitalisation of railway maintenance enables fact-based decision support utilising enhanced analytics aimed for nowcasting and forecasting. To succeed, inter-organisational cooperation is required in areas such as data sharing, regulations, and business models. These are focus areas for my research.

Findings from my research can be used as a framework and a road map in any industry by providing scientific guidance in the implementation of innovations. Some of the expected benefits for organisations are a) Reduced development and production costs; b) Increased efficiency in testing, implementing, and utilising existing innovations; c) Increased awareness in data sharing; and d) Increased implementation support.

Keywords: System innovation, Implementation, Digitalisation, Maintenance, Asset Management, Data governance, Inter-organisation, eMaintenance, Industrial AI, Maintenance contracts, Railway, Innovation procurement

Management of industrially related research projects and centres

• Director of Luleå Railway Research Center (JVTC) since March 1 2025
• Deputy Director of Luleå Railway Research Center (JVTC) since 2010
• Project leader of ePilot (2014-2020) – a research and implementation project for digitalised maintenance solutions in railway with 51 active stakeholders
• Project leader of Testbed Railway (2016-2019)
• Coordinator for Sustainable Transportation, a strategic innovation and research area for Luleå University of Technology (2012-2019)
• Deputy Director of Centre for Maintenance and Industrial Services (CMIS) (2010-2013)

Awards

• Strukton Innovation Award (2017)
• Included in IVA's 100 list 2020 with the ePilot project, a list of research projects focusing on sustainability with significant potential to benefit areas such as business and method development or to leave a positive impact on society.

Research Projects (selected list)

• ePilot
• AI Factory
• Academics4Rail
• Accelerated implementation of digital methods for railway maintenance (AID)
• A framework for implementing maintenance-related innovations
• Climate resilient railway infrastructure: A system innovation approach
• Testbed Railway
• Verklighetslabb Digital Railway External link.
• Robust and reliable transport systems External link.

Editorial Board Member in Journals

• Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit

Other assignments

• Responsible for the LTU-ALSTOM collaboration agreement since 2023
• Member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Collaboration Council since 2024
• Board member of Arctic Rail since 2025
• Board member representing LTU in SWEDTRAIN since 2024
• Board member representing LTU in Nordic Heavy Haul since 2024
• Co-chair of the International Congress and Workshop on Industrial AI and eMaintenance in 2023 and 2025