Giacomo Barbieri is an Assistant Professor in the Asset Management and Maintenance Engineering Chair at the University of Twente (Netherlands). He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering (2010 and 2012, respectively) and a Ph.D. in Industrial Innovation Engineering (2016) from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy), in collaboration with Tetra Pak SpA. During his Ph.D. research, he also conducted internships at UC Berkeley (US), the Technical University of Munich (DE), and the University of Exeter (UK), enriching his international perspective on engineering and innovation. From 2016 to 2023, he served at Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia) before moving to the Netherlands in 2024. He is an active member of the World Class Maintenance and the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC), specifically in 'Manufacturing Plant Control' (TC 5.1).
Giacomo has a background in mechanical engineering and industrial automation, which has progressively shaped his research focus in Asset Management, Smart Maintenance, Cross-Functional Collaboration, and Decision Making. He thrives in transdisciplinary environments, where he facilitates human-centric and value-based approaches to these technological fields. Currently develops projects with companies in the areas of railway transportation, energy distribution and generation, and public asset owners.
CERTIFICATIONS
- The Institute of Asset Management Diploma (2024)
- The Institute of Asset Management Certificate (2022)
Organisations
RESEARCH APPROACH
Facilitating Cross-Functional and Value-Based Strategic and Tactical Decision-Making in Maintenance and Asset Management through Strategic Planning, Multi-Criteria Decision-Analysis, Systems Engineering, Lifecycle Cost Analysis and Design Thinking.
PHD AND ENGD RESEARCH PROJECTS
Current projects
- Faazil Fahrooz (PhD) - Cross-Functional Collaboration for Dynamic Thermal Rating (IDLEC project)
- Cari Richards (PhD) - A strategic asset management planning toolkit through the double materiality lens (SAM project)
- Luis Alfredo Esteves (EngD) - Human-centric Smart Maintenance: a participatory approach applied to a hydroelectric plant (Celsia and Universidad de los Andes)
- Tim Douma (EngD) - Decision-making processes for Dynamic Thermal Rating (IDLEC project)
Promoted (Co-Promotor / Daily Supervisor)
- Maricruz Solera (Postdoc, Dec 2024 - Mar 2025) - Lessons learned in railway digital transformation (R2DATO)
- Bas van Oudenhoven (Postdoc, Nov 2024 - Oct 2025) - Predictive maintenance product catalogue (PrimaVera)
- David Sanchez-Londoño (PostDoc, Mar 2025 - Oct 2025) - Predictive maintenance product catalogue (PrimaVera)
- David Sanchez-Londoño (PhD) - A Value-Driven Methodology to Guide the Strategic Selection of Smart Maintenance Solutions (Politecnico di Milano and Universidad de los Andes)
ORGANIZED CONFERENCES
- 5th IFAC Workshop on Advanced Maintenance Engineering, Services and Technology (AMEST); International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC); Bogotá (Colombia), 26-29 July 2022
Publications
Jump to: 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021
2026
D-TRACK: A Framework for Complexity Risks in Railway Digital Transformation Projects (2026)In 2025 IEEE International Conference on Technology Management, Operations and Decisions, ICTMOD 2025 (IEEE International Technology Management Conference; Vol. 2025). IEEE. Solera Jimenez, M., Barbieri, G. & Braaksma, J.https://doi.org/10.1109/ictmod66732.2025.11371869From Cooking to Consensus: Using Analogy to Build Shared Vision in Inter-Organizational Innovation Projects (2026)In 2025 IEEE International Conference on Technology Management, Operations and Decisions (ICTMOD) (pp. 1-8) (IEEE International Technology Management Conference; Vol. 2025). IEEE. Barbieri, G., Solera Jimenez, M. & Braaksma, J.https://doi.org/10.1109/ictmod66732.2025.11371971
2025
Asset Taxonomy for Strategic Decision-Making in Dynamic Thermal Rating of Distribution Networks (2025)In 2025 IEEE 10th Workshop on the Electronic Grid (eGRID): Proceedings (Proceedings of the IEEE Electronic Power Grid (eGrid); Vol. 2025). IEEE. Fairooz, F. M., Wesselink, D., Barbieri, G. & Braaksma, J.https://doi.org/10.1109/eGRID63452.2025.11255445From Silos to Synergy: A Serious Game for Cross-Functional Collaboration in Human-Centric Asset Management (2025)IEEE Access, 13, 188907 - 188928. Barbieri, G. & Zapata, F.https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3626989A Transdisciplinary Framework to Assess the Value of Urban Agriculture (2025)In Transdisciplinarity for a Better World: Proceedings of the 32nd International Society of Transdisciplinary Engineering (ISTE) Global Conference (pp. 371-380) (Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering; Vol. 76). IOS. Barbieri, G., Zapata, F., Krstikj, A., Vallee, M., Trigos, F. & Goudswaard, M.https://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE251109Transforming Learning Environments: Asset Management, Social Innovation and Design Thinking for Educational Facilities 5.0 (2025)Education Sciences, 15(8). Article 967. Barbieri, G., Zapata, F. & Torre, J. D. R. D. L.https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080967Special issue on: “Emerging industrial Digitalisation and machine learning applications in maintenance engineering, asset, and operations management” (2025)Engineering applications of artificial intelligence, 141. Article 109752. Emmanouilidis, C., Parlikad, A., Barbieri, G. & Romero, D.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2024.109752Strategic capital investments in asset management: a value-based approach (2025)Journal of quality in maintenance engineering, 31(5), 1-22. Barbieri, G., Vega, A. S., Gutierrez, J., Laserna, J. & Mateus, L. M.https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-11-2023-0104
2024
A Discrete Event Simulator to Support Maintenance Decision-Making considering Economic and Environmental Sustainability (2024)IFAC-papersonline, 58(8), 347-352. Torres, C., Barbieri, G. & Muñoz, M.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2024.08.145A Methodology to Support the Strategic Implementation of Smart Maintenance Solutions (2024)IFAC-papersonline, 58(8), 49-54. Sanchez-Londono, D., Roda, I. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2024.08.049Organizational Value Framework for Asset Management Decision-Making (2024)IFAC-papersonline, 58(8), 395-400. Barbieri, G., Benavides, A. M., Esteves, L. A., Olaya, C. & Zapata, F.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2024.08.153Towards a Business Intelligence Application for Evidence-based Maintenance (2024)IFAC-papersonline, 58(8), 37-42. Barbieri, G., Laserna, J. & Mateus, L. M.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2024.08.047Sustainability Indices and RAM Analysis for Maintenance Decision Making Considering Environmental Sustainability (2024)Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(3). Article 979. Barbieri, G. & Hernandez, J. D.https://doi.org/10.3390/su16030979
2023
HydroLab: A Module for the Investigation of Fertigation Strategies in Hydroponics (2023)Applied Sciences, 13(15). Article 8867. Guerrero, L. H. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158867The requirements of a value model for the strategic implementation of predictive maintenance (2023)In IFAC-PapersOnLine (pp. 1276-1281) (IFAC-PapersOnLine; Vol. 56). Elsevier. Sanchez-Londono, D., Roda, I. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2023.10.1759Thermal Images and Temperature Matrices for the State Assessment of Rolling Bearings (2023)In IFAC-PapersOnLine (pp. 6549-6554) (IFAC-PapersOnLine; Vol. 56). Elsevier. Daniel Gomez, E. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2023.10.305Digital Twin and Education in Manufacturing (2023)In The Digital Twin (pp. 1113-1134). Springer. Barbieri, G., Sanchez-Londoño, D., Gutierrez, D. A., Vigon, R., Negri, E. & Fumagalli, L.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21343-4_35Smart retrofitting in maintenance: a systematic literature review (2023)Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 34(1), 1-19. Sanchez-Londono, D., Barbieri, G. & Fumagalli, L.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-022-02002-2Value-based Smart Retrofitting of Maintenance in the Hydropower Plants of Celsia (2023)In IFAC-PapersOnLine (pp. 6555-6560). Esteves, L. A., Benavides, A. M., Barbieri, G., Olaya, C. & Mantilla, C. A.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2023.10.306
2022
A design of machinery learning activity to develop critical thinking (2022)International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education, 50(3), 704-725. Sanchez-Londono, D., Posada-Ceron, S., Barbieri, G. & Rodriguez, C. F.https://doi.org/10.1177/03064190211057824A Monitoring Digital Twin for Services of Controlled Environment Agriculture (2022)IFAC-papersonline, 55(19), 85-90. González, J. P., Sanchez-Londoño, D. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.09.188A Taxonomy for Levels of Automation based on the Industrial Revolutions (2022)IFAC-papersonline, 55(17), 368-373. Barbieri, G., España, A. & Sanchez-Londoño, D.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.09.307Integration of BIM Modeling and RAM Analysis: a Proof of Concept (2022)IFAC-papersonline, 55(19), 205-210. Morales, J. M., Barbieri, G., Vargas, H. I., Villegas, J. S. & Parra, C.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.09.208XWare: a Middleware for Smart Retrofitting in Maintenance (2022)IFAC-papersonline, 55(19), 109-114. Sanchez-Londono, D., Barbieri, G. & Garces, K.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.09.192Assessment of the PLC Code generated with the GEMMA-GRAFCET Methodology (2022)Procedia computer science, 200, 699-709. Mejia, A., Guarnizo, A. F. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2022.01.268Automation Software Architecture in CPPS - Definition, Challenges and Research Potentials (2022)In Proceedings - 2022 IEEE 5th International Conference on Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems, ICPS 2022. IEEE. Vogel-Heuser, B., Neumann, E. M., Fischer, J., Marcos, M., Estevez, E. E., Barbieri, G., Sonnleithner, L. & Rabiser, R.https://doi.org/10.1109/ICPS51978.2022.9816893Experimental Characterization of a Solar-Photovoltaic-powered Aquaponic System: A Case Study in Bogotá, Colombia (2022)In Proceedings - 2022 8th International Engineering, Sciences and Technology Conference, IESTEC 2022 (pp. 541-547). IEEE. De Leon, L. L., Gonzalez, J., Barbieri, G., Mancera, A. G., Austin, M. C., Mora, D. & Vanegas, F. Z.https://doi.org/10.1109/IESTEC54539.2022.00091
2021
A digital twin architecture to optimize productivity within controlled environment agriculture (2021)Applied Sciences, 11(19). Article 8875. Chaux, J. D., Sanchez-Londono, D. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.3390/app11198875A GEMMA-GRAFCET generator for the automation software of smart manufacturing systems (2021)Machines, 9(10). Article 232. Castillo, J. M., Barbieri, G., Mejia, A., Hernandez, J. D. & Garces, K.https://doi.org/10.3390/machines9100232FarmBot Simulator: Towards a Virtual Environment for Scaled Precision Agriculture (2021)In Service Oriented, Holonic and Multi-Agent Manufacturing Systems for Industry of the Future: Proceedings of SOHOMA LATIN AMERICA 2021 (pp. 234-246) (Studies in Computational Intelligence). Murcia, V. A., Palacios, J. F. & Barbieri, G.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80906-5_16
Research profiles
COORDINATION
- Coordinator of the Maintenance Engineering and Operations (MEO) specialisation of the Mechanical Engineering master programme.
- Coordinator of the Maintenance Engineering and Management course of the Mechanical Engineering master programme.
MAINTENANCE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT COURSES
- Maintenance Engineering and Management (Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Twente)
- Introduction of maintenance of physical assets (MOOC, Coursera)
- Maintenance Management (Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes)
- Predictive maintenance (Master's Degree in Engineering Management, Coursera)
- Digital twin and predictive maintenance (Lifelong Learning Course, Universidad Católica de Valparaiso)
SUPERVISED MSC STUDENTS
2025-2026 (University of Twente)
- Ole Zwarts (ME): Asset Information Strategy for Enabling Data-Driven Decision-Making: A Case Study of the Royal Netherlands Navy
2024-2025 (University of Twente)
- Cathy Ebbers (ME, 20/08/2025): A Methodology to Build Shared Strategic Vision in Inter-Organizational Maintenance Ecosystems (Rijkswaterstaat)
- Daan Wesselink (SET, 12/05/2025): Asset Taxonomies to Enhance Strategic Thinking in Expanding Electrical Grid Capacity Using Existing Assets (Liander)
2017-2023 (Universidad de los Andes)
- 21 students, primarily from the Mechanical Engineering Master's Program
SUPERVISED BACHELOR'S STUDENTS
2024-2025 (University of Twente)
- Panashe Mangezi (Mechanical Engineering): From Smart to Wise: Humanising Maintenance and Asset Management in a Digital World with a Sinterklaas Workshop
- Alexandra Mulder (Mechanical Engineering): From a Sinterklaas Workshop to a Compass to Guide Strategic Decision-Making in Human-Centered Asset Management
2016-2023 (Universidad de los Andes)
- 117 students, primarily from the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Program
Courses academic year 2026/2027
Courses in the current academic year are added at the moment they are finalised in the Osiris system. Therefore it is possible that the list is not yet complete for the whole academic year.
Courses academic year 2025/2026
ACTIVE PROJECTS
- IDLEC (Liander): Strategic Decision-Making in the Dynamic Thermal Rating of Distribution Networks
- SAM (Dutch Research Council, NWO): Sustainable Asset Management
- CDAG (Celsia): Human-centric Smart Maintenance: a participatory approach applied to a hydroelectric plant.
FINISHED PROJECTS AT UT
- Rail to Digital Automated up to Autonomous Train Operation (R2DATO) (Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking, ERJU - Dec 2022 to May 2026): Developed a stakeholder-based business case methodology to support investment decisions for DATO technology deployment across European railways, in collaboration with ProRail, NS, and international railway partners. Identified lessons learned from digital transformation demonstrators to assess complexity-related risks in early-stage projects.
- Predictive maintenance for Very effective asset management (PrimaVera) (Dutch Research Council, NWO - Nov 2020 to Oct 2025): Developed a product catalogue to guide organizations in selecting and implementing predictive maintenance solutions. Designed a methodology to define strategic asset management objectives in multi-partner maintenance collaborations navigating digital transformation.
- Transdisciplinary modelling of URban Agriculture (TURA) (Worldwide Universities Network, WUN - Jul 2024 to Jul 2025): Developed a value assessment framework for urban agriculture systems within a transdisciplinary international research network.
Address
University of Twente
Horst Complex (building no. 20), room W260
De Horst 2
7522 LW Enschede
Netherlands
University of Twente
Horst Complex W260
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
Netherlands
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