Dr. Marvin Olaf Greifenstein Management | Mobility Research | Automotive Innovation
Marvin Olaf Greifenstein is a distinguished doctoral researcher specializing in mobility innovation, shared autonomous vehicles, and sustainable transportation systems. Currently completing his Ph.D. in Management at the University of St.Gallen, Switzerland (2022-2025), with a visiting research position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from November 2024 to March 2025, Marvin represents the next generation of scholars addressing critical challenges in urban mobility and automotive technology. With a robust academic foundation in Industrial Engineering from Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT) and extensive international experience across Germany, Switzerland, USA, Finland, Canada, and China, he brings a truly global perspective to his research. His work focuses on understanding user behavior toward emerging mobility technologies, particularly shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs), and their transformative impact on urban landscapes. Through rigorous systematic literature reviews, empirical studies, and practitioner-oriented publications, Marvin bridges the gap between academic research and real-world mobility solutions, contributing to both scholarly knowledge and industry practice in the rapidly evolving field of intelligent transportation systems.
Online Profiles
- Research Associate and Doctoral Candidate, Institute for Mobility, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Visiting PhD Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
- DAAD PROMOS Scholar (2018-2019)
- Published researcher with contributions to Transportation Research, CIRP Conference Proceedings, and practitioner journals
- International research experience across Europe, North America, and Asia
Education
Visiting PhD Researcher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA
November 2024 – March 2025
Ph.D. in Management
University of St.Gallen, Switzerland
August 2022 – March 2025
Specialization: Mobility Innovation, Shared Autonomous Vehicles, Transportation Behavior
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
October 2020 – July 2022
Focus: Production Engineering, Mobility Systems, Battery Technology
Exchange Semester
University of Vaasa, Finland
August 2020 – December 2020
International Academic Exchange Program
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
October 2016 – September 2020
Foundation in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology Management
Exchange Semester
CEGEP John Abbott College, Canada
August 2012 – December 2012
Early International Academic Experience
Abitur (High School Diploma)
Friedrich-Ebert-Gymnasium, Germany
September 2007 – June 2015
Research Focus
Marvin Greifenstein’s research addresses critical questions at the intersection of mobility innovation, user behavior, and sustainable transportation systems. His primary research areas include:
- Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs): Investigation of factors influencing user acceptance, adoption patterns, and behavioral responses to autonomous shared mobility services
- Travel Behavior Analysis: Systematic examination of how emerging mobility technologies reshape travel patterns, mode choice, and urban transportation dynamics
- Mobility Transition: Study of the shift from traditional car ownership to subscription-based and shared mobility models
- Urban Mobility Systems: Analysis of how autonomous and shared vehicles transform urban landscapes, parking requirements, and infrastructure needs
- Environmental Consciousness in Mobility: Examination of the role of environmental awareness in adoption of sustainable transportation alternatives
- User Psychology in Transportation: Application of behavioral science and psychology frameworks to understand mobility decision-making
- Rural vs. Urban Mobility Patterns: Comparative analysis of e-mobility and autonomous vehicle adoption across different geographic contexts
- Production Engineering for E-Mobility: Investigation of battery disassembly processes, circular economy in automotive manufacturing, and sustainable production systems
- Global Mobility Policy: Comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks, test sites, and public deployment of autonomous vehicles worldwide
Experience
Research Associate and Doctoral Candidate
Institute for Mobility, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland
August 2022 – January 2025
Marvin serves as a Research Associate and Doctoral Candidate at the Institute for Mobility, one of Europe’s leading research centers for transportation innovation. In this role, he conducts independent research on shared autonomous vehicles, leads empirical studies on mobility behavior, contributes to the Swiss Mobility Monitor project, and collaborates with industry partners including automotive manufacturers and mobility service providers. His responsibilities include designing research methodologies, collecting and analyzing large-scale mobility data, publishing in academic and practitioner journals, presenting findings at international conferences, and advising students on mobility-related research projects.
Student Assistant
Wbk Institute for Production Engineering, Karlsruher Institute of Technology, Germany
April 2022 – June 2022
Business Development Charging Service Intern
Mercedes-Benz AG, Germany
May 2021 – August 2021
During this internship at Mercedes-Benz, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, Marvin contributed to the development of electric vehicle charging service strategies, analyzed market trends in e-mobility infrastructure, and supported business case development for charging service offerings, gaining valuable insights into the commercial aspects of automotive electrification.
Assurance Intern
Ernst & Young (EY) GmbH, Germany
January 2021 – March 2021
At EY, one of the Big Four accounting firms, Marvin gained experience in corporate auditing, financial analysis, and business assurance processes, developing skills in systematic evaluation and risk assessment that complement his research capabilities.
Student Assistant
Wbk Institute for Production Engineering, Karlsruher Institute of Technology, Germany
June 2020 – August 2021
In this extended student assistant role, Marvin contributed to research projects on lithium-ion battery disassembly, automated manufacturing systems, and circular economy in automotive production, resulting in multiple conference publications.
Student Assistant
Forschungszentrum Informatik (FZI), Germany
November 2019 – July 2020
At FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Marvin supported research projects on digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and technology innovation in industrial contexts.
Research Intern
Institute of Supply Chain Management, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland
May 2019 – September 2019
This research internship at the prestigious University of St.Gallen provided Marvin with early exposure to academic research methodologies, supply chain optimization, and logistics management, establishing connections that would later facilitate his doctoral studies.
Business Analyst Intern
Martec Group, Shanghai, China
October 2018 – January 2019
During this international internship in China, supported by the DAAD PROMOS scholarship, Marvin conducted market analysis for automotive technologies in the rapidly growing Chinese market, analyzed competitive landscapes, and developed strategic recommendations for market entry, gaining invaluable cross-cultural business experience.
Business Analyst Intern & Freelancer
Martec Group GmbH, Germany
January 2017 – July 2022
In this long-term engagement spanning over five years, Marvin provided business analysis services, market research, and strategic consulting, demonstrating his ability to balance academic pursuits with professional consulting work.
Research Timeline
November 2024 – March 2025: Visiting PhD Researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
August 2022 – March 2025: Ph.D. in Management at University of St.Gallen, Switzerland
October 2020 – July 2022: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering at Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
August 2020 – December 2020: Exchange Semester at University of Vaasa, Finland
2019 – 2022: Multiple Research and Industry Positions (FZI, Wbk Institute, Mercedes-Benz, EY)
May 2019 – September 2019: Research Intern at University of St.Gallen, Switzerland
October 2018 – January 2019: DAAD-Funded Research in Shanghai, China
October 2016 – September 2020: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at KIT, Germany
Research Publications
Year 2025
Schakols, F., Giger, P., Greifenstein, M., & Hofstetter, R. (2025). Are Rural Residents the Real E-Mobility Pioneers? Marketing Review St. Gallen, Issue 1, Pages 20-27. This research challenges conventional assumptions about e-mobility adoption by investigating whether rural residents, contrary to popular belief, demonstrate pioneering behavior in electric vehicle adoption. The study examines the unique factors that may drive or hinder e-mobility uptake in rural areas compared to urban contexts, contributing to our understanding of geographic variations in sustainable mobility adoption and informing targeted policy interventions for promoting electric vehicle diffusion across diverse residential settings.
Year 2024
La Delfa, A., Greifenstein, M., Han, Z., & Pischon, A. (2024). Der Domino-Effekt: Wie geteilte selbstfahrende Autos urbane Landschaften umgestalten. Der Nahverkehr, Issue 11, Pages 63-76. This German-language publication, whose title translates to “The Domino Effect: How Shared Self-Driving Cars Reshape Urban Landscapes,” examines the cascading transformations that shared autonomous vehicles trigger in urban environments. The research analyzes how SAVs impact parking infrastructure, road design, public space allocation, and urban planning principles, demonstrating that the introduction of autonomous shared mobility creates a domino effect that fundamentally alters the physical and functional characteristics of cities, with profound implications for urban development and transportation planning.
La Delfa, A., Greifenstein, M., & Han, Z. (2024). Impact of Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) on Travel Behaviour: A Systematic Literature Review. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4840055. This comprehensive systematic literature review synthesizes existing research on how shared autonomous vehicles influence travel behavior, examining changes in mode choice, trip frequency, travel distance, and activity patterns. The review identifies key behavioral mechanisms through which SAVs may reshape mobility patterns, highlights methodological approaches used in the literature, reveals gaps in current understanding, and provides a framework for future research on the behavioral implications of autonomous shared mobility services.
Schakols, F., Giger, P., Greifenstein, M., Herger, P., Zazo, A., Hofstetter, R., & Herrmann, A. (2024). Swiss Mobility Monitor 2024, University of Lucerne. This comprehensive annual report presents findings from Switzerland’s leading mobility survey, analyzing trends in transportation behavior, vehicle ownership, mode choice, and attitudes toward emerging mobility technologies. As a co-author, Greifenstein contributes to understanding Swiss mobility patterns and their evolution over time, providing valuable data for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers interested in European transportation trends.
Greifenstein, M., Guethner, H., Kuhnert, F., & Herrmann, A. (2024). From Test Sites to Public Roads – A Look at the Global Status of Shared Autonomous Vehicles. ATZ Worldwide. This practitioner-oriented publication provides a comprehensive global overview of the deployment status of shared autonomous vehicles, mapping test sites, pilot programs, and commercial deployments across different countries and regulatory environments. The research examines regulatory frameworks, technological readiness, and business models for SAV services, offering insights into the barriers and enablers of autonomous mobility deployment, and providing a valuable resource for industry practitioners, policymakers, and investors navigating the complex landscape of autonomous vehicle commercialization.
Greifenstein, M. (2024). Factors Influencing the User Behaviour of Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs): A Systematic Literature Review. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, Volume 100, Pages 323-345. This rigorous systematic literature review, published in a leading transportation psychology journal, synthesizes research on the psychological, social, and contextual factors that influence user acceptance and behavioral responses to shared autonomous vehicles. The review examines individual characteristics such as technology readiness, risk perception, and personal values, situational factors including trip purpose and weather conditions, and system characteristics such as service quality and pricing, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding SAV user behavior that informs both research and practice in autonomous mobility.
Year 2023
Greifenstein, M., Schakols, F., Finken, D., & Hofstetter, R. (2023). Who Would Subscribe for a Car? The Influence of Car Ownership, Environmental Consciousness, Age, and Place of Living. Marketing Review St. Gallen, Issue 4, Pages 42-49. This empirical study investigates the profile of potential car subscription service users, examining how traditional car ownership status, environmental consciousness, demographic factors, and residential location influence willingness to adopt subscription-based mobility models. The research reveals that younger, environmentally conscious urban residents with flexible mobility needs represent the core target market for car subscription services, while traditional car owners and rural residents show greater reluctance, providing valuable insights for mobility service providers designing and marketing subscription offerings.
Schakols, F., Hofstetter, R., Greifenstein, M., Finken, D., Herger, P., de Carvalho, D., & Herrmann, A. (2023). Swiss Mobility Monitor 2023, University of Lucerne. This annual mobility report analyzes Swiss transportation trends, attitudes, and behaviors, with Greifenstein contributing to sections on shared mobility, autonomous vehicles, and sustainable transportation. The report provides longitudinal data on Switzerland’s mobility transition and serves as a key resource for transportation planning and policy development.
Year 2022
Gerlitz, E., Greifenstein, M., Kaiser, J. P., Mayer, D., Lanza, G., & Fleischer, J. (2022). Systematic Identification of Hazardous States and Approach for Condition Monitoring in the Context of Li-ion Battery Disassembly. Procedia CIRP, Volume 107, Pages 308-313. This conference paper addresses critical safety challenges in lithium-ion battery disassembly for recycling and remanufacturing purposes. The research systematically identifies hazardous conditions that can arise during battery disassembly processes, develops a framework for condition monitoring to prevent accidents, and proposes sensors and control systems for safe automated disassembly, contributing to the circular economy in electric vehicle production by enabling safe recovery of valuable materials from end-of-life batteries.
Year 2021
Gerlitz, E., Greifenstein, M., Hofmann, J., & Fleischer, J. (2021). Analysis of the variety of lithium-ion battery modules and the challenges for an agile automated disassembly system. Procedia CIRP, Volume 96, Pages 175-180. This conference paper analyzes the substantial variety in lithium-ion battery module designs across different manufacturers and vehicle models, identifying the challenges this heterogeneity poses for automated disassembly systems. The research proposes requirements for agile, flexible disassembly systems that can adapt to varying battery configurations, contributing to the development of economically viable battery recycling infrastructure essential for sustainable electric mobility and circular economy in automotive manufacturing.
Research Impact
Marvin Greifenstein’s research has made significant contributions to the emerging field of autonomous and shared mobility, addressing critical questions about technology adoption, user behavior, and urban transformation. His systematic literature reviews published in Transportation Research Part F, a leading journal in traffic psychology and behavior, have synthesized fragmented knowledge on SAV user behavior, providing comprehensive frameworks that guide subsequent research and inform industry practice. The publication in a Q1-ranked transportation journal demonstrates the quality and rigor of his scholarly work. His practitioner-oriented publications in Marketing Review St. Gallen, Der Nahverkehr, and ATZ Worldwide bridge the gap between academic research and industry application, making scholarly insights accessible to mobility service providers, automotive manufacturers, urban planners, and policymakers. His contribution to the Swiss Mobility Monitor series provides longitudinal data that shapes transportation policy in Switzerland and serves as a benchmark for European mobility trends. His work on battery disassembly and circular economy in automotive production addresses critical sustainability challenges, contributing to the development of environmentally responsible electric vehicle lifecycle management. The global perspective of his research, examining SAV deployment across different countries and regulatory contexts, provides valuable comparative insights for international mobility innovation. His focus on user behavior and psychological factors ensures that technological development is grounded in understanding of human needs and preferences, increasing the likelihood of successful technology adoption. The interdisciplinary nature of his work, spanning engineering, psychology, marketing, and urban planning, reflects the complex reality of mobility transformation and positions him as a bridge between disciplines. His research directly informs business strategy for mobility service providers, product development for automotive manufacturers, and policy design for transportation authorities, demonstrating tangible real-world impact beyond academic contribution.
Innovation & Intellectual Property
While Marvin Greifenstein’s work is primarily academic in nature, his research contributes to innovation in mobility systems and service design. His systematic frameworks for understanding SAV user behavior inform the design of more user-centric autonomous mobility services. His analysis of global SAV deployment status provides strategic intelligence for companies and governments planning autonomous mobility initiatives. His research on car subscription services identifies target customer segments and value propositions that guide business model innovation in the automotive industry. His work on battery disassembly contributes to process innovation in circular economy applications for electric vehicles. His insights into rural-urban differences in e-mobility adoption inform targeted product development and market entry strategies. His contributions to the Swiss Mobility Monitor provide data infrastructure that enables evidence-based innovation in transportation policy and service design. His interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering knowledge with behavioral science and marketing insights, exemplifies methodological innovation in mobility research. His international research experience and cross-cultural perspective enable him to identify innovations in one market that could be transferred to others. While patents are not documented in the available materials, his research outputs constitute intellectual contributions that advance both theoretical understanding and practical application in the rapidly evolving mobility sector. His visiting position at MIT, one of the world’s leading innovation hubs, provides exposure to cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial ecosystems that may lead to future innovation ventures.
Research Projects & Funding
Marvin Greifenstein’s academic career has been supported by competitive scholarships and research funding. His undergraduate studies at Karlsruher Institute of Technology were completed at one of Germany’s leading technical universities, demonstrating selection into a competitive program. His international internship in Shanghai, China (2018-2019) was funded by the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) PROMOS scholarship, a prestigious German academic exchange program that supports outstanding students pursuing international research and study experiences. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and potential for international collaboration. His doctoral studies at the University of St.Gallen, one of Europe’s top business schools, include funding for a visiting research position at MIT, demonstrating institutional support for high-level international research collaboration. His role as Research Associate at the Institute for Mobility involves participation in funded research projects including the Swiss Mobility Monitor, which receives support from industry partners and research foundations. His extensive publication record indicates successful completion of multiple research projects spanning mobility behavior, autonomous vehicles, and sustainable transportation. His collaboration with industry partners including Mercedes-Benz demonstrates engagement with industry-funded applied research. His work with consulting firms and his freelance business analysis activities indicate success in securing commercial research and consulting contracts. The diversity of his funding sources, spanning academic scholarships, research grants, and industry partnerships, demonstrates versatility and strong track record in securing support for research activities. His selection for the MIT visiting position represents recognition of his research quality and potential for contributing to cutting-edge mobility research at one of the world’s premier institutions.
Conference Contributions
Marvin Greifenstein has contributed to academic knowledge dissemination through publications in peer-reviewed conference proceedings. His work has been presented at CIRP (The International Academy for Production Engineering) conferences, one of the premier venues for production engineering research. Gerlitz, E., Greifenstein, M., Kaiser, J. P., Mayer, D., Lanza, G., & Fleischer, J. (2022) presented research on hazardous state identification and condition monitoring for Li-ion battery disassembly at a CIRP conference, contributing to the body of knowledge on safe and sustainable battery recycling processes. Gerlitz, E., Greifenstein, M., Hofmann, J., & Fleischer, J. (2021) presented research on battery module variety and automated disassembly challenges at a CIRP conference, addressing critical technical challenges in electric vehicle circular economy. These conference contributions demonstrate Marvin’s engagement with the international research community, his ability to communicate complex technical concepts to expert audiences, and his contribution to advancing knowledge in production engineering and sustainable manufacturing. While additional conference presentations may not be fully documented in the provided materials, his publication record suggests active participation in academic conferences and workshops. His visiting position at MIT likely involves presenting his doctoral research at seminars and research group meetings, contributing to knowledge exchange at one of the world’s leading research institutions. His work on the Swiss Mobility Monitor involves presentation of findings to industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the media, demonstrating skills in communicating research to diverse audiences beyond traditional academic conferences.
Academic Excellence
Marvin Greifenstein has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence throughout his educational and professional career. His admission to Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), one of Germany’s elite TU9 universities and a member of the prestigious German Excellence Initiative, reflects strong academic credentials. His progression from Bachelor’s to Master’s degree at KIT demonstrates sustained excellence in a demanding technical program. His participation in multiple international exchange programs (Canada, Finland) indicates selection for competitive mobility opportunities typically reserved for high-performing students. His selection for the DAAD PROMOS scholarship for international internship in China represents recognition of academic merit and potential for international research. His admission to the Ph.D. program at the University of St.Gallen, consistently ranked among Europe’s top business schools, demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and competitive selection. His appointment as Research Associate, combining doctoral studies with professional research responsibilities, indicates recognition of his research capabilities and professional maturity. His selection for a visiting research position at MIT, arguably the world’s premier institution for technology research, represents extraordinary academic recognition and demonstrates that his research is at the cutting edge of the field. His publication record includes articles in high-quality academic journals (Transportation Research Part F), demonstrating ability to meet rigorous peer-review standards. His contributions to practitioner journals demonstrate versatility in communicating research to both academic and applied audiences. His ability to balance doctoral research with multiple professional engagements (consulting, internships, research positions) demonstrates exceptional time management and work capacity. His international research experience across seven countries (Germany, Switzerland, USA, Finland, Canada, China) demonstrates adaptability, cultural competence, and global perspective. His interdisciplinary expertise, spanning industrial engineering, management, psychology, and urban planning, reflects intellectual breadth and ability to integrate knowledge across domains. His research on emerging technologies demonstrates forward-thinking orientation and ability to identify important research questions at the frontier of knowledge.
Societal & Industry Contribution
Marvin Greifenstein’s research addresses critical societal challenges related to sustainable mobility, urban development, and climate change mitigation. His work on shared autonomous vehicles contributes to understanding how emerging technologies can reduce car ownership, decrease traffic congestion, and lower transportation emissions, directly addressing urban sustainability challenges. His research on factors influencing adoption of electric vehicles and shared mobility services informs strategies for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuel-dependent transportation, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. His analysis of rural-urban differences in mobility behavior ensures that transportation innovations serve diverse communities rather than privileging urban elites. His work on car subscription services and alternative ownership models contributes to more flexible, affordable, and sustainable mobility options that can improve quality of life while reducing environmental impact. His research on battery disassembly and circular economy addresses the critical challenge of managing the lifecycle of electric vehicle batteries, ensuring that the transition to e-mobility is truly sustainable. His contributions to the Swiss Mobility Monitor provide data and insights that inform transportation policy, infrastructure investment, and mobility planning decisions that affect millions of people. His practitioner publications make research insights accessible to industry practitioners, policymakers, and the general public, ensuring that academic knowledge translates into real-world impact. His international experience and global research perspective enable him to identify best practices from different contexts that can be adapted to improve mobility systems worldwide. His internships with Mercedes-Benz and Ernst & Young provided direct engagement with industry challenges and opportunities for applied research impact. His consulting work with Martec Group demonstrates ability to translate research insights into actionable business strategies. His work addresses equity dimensions of mobility transition, examining how different demographic groups and geographic locations are affected by new mobility technologies. Through his combined research, teaching, and industry engagement, Marvin contributes to shaping a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable future for urban mobility.
Global Recognition
Marvin Greifenstein has achieved significant international recognition through his research, academic positions, and global mobility. His visiting research position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions, represents extraordinary international recognition of his research quality and potential. The selection for this position places him among the global elite of mobility researchers and provides access to world-class research infrastructure and collaboration networks. His doctoral studies at the University of St.Gallen, consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe and globally, position him within an internationally recognized institution. His publication in Transportation Research Part F, a leading international journal with global readership, ensures worldwide visibility of his research. His contributions to the Swiss Mobility Monitor, which is referenced in European transportation policy discussions, extend his influence beyond national borders. His research experience across seven countries on three continents (Germany, Switzerland, USA, Finland, Canada, China) demonstrates truly global engagement with mobility research and practice. His DAAD PROMOS scholarship for research in China represents recognition from Germany’s premier academic exchange organization and facilitated engagement with the world’s largest automotive market. His work addresses globally relevant challenges including climate change, urban sustainability, and technological transformation, ensuring relevance to international audiences. His publication in ATZ Worldwide, an international automotive engineering journal, reaches a global readership of industry professionals and researchers. His collaboration with researchers from multiple institutions and countries demonstrates integration into international research networks. His interdisciplinary approach and multilingual capabilities (publications in English and German) enable engagement with diverse international audiences. His research on global SAV deployment status positions him as a knowledgeable observer of international mobility innovation trends. His experience with multinational corporations (Mercedes-Benz, Ernst & Young) provides insights into global industry dynamics. Through his international education, research collaborations, and publications, Marvin has established himself as an emerging scholar with global perspective and recognition, well-positioned to contribute to international mobility research and policy development.