Innovation Research Interchange

Launch It Forward: An Entrepreneurial Path for Corporate Leaders to Commercialize Technologies

In this episode, we engage with Colin Scott, Nicole Mignacca, and Ellie Kim from Innventure, a leading firm renowned for transforming cutting-edge technology into successful market solutions. Join us as we explore Innventure's unique approach to reducing risks and accelerating commercial success through strategic collaborations and a systematic evaluation process.

Colin, Nicole, and Ellie share valuable insights into identifying high-potential technology opportunities, the critical role of strategic partnerships, and how they engage with multinational corporations to catalyze innovation. Learn about the challenges and metrics involved in the journey from concept to commercialization, and how Inventure’s model aims to ensure innovative solutions reach their maximum market impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the mechanics of bringing transformative technology to life!

Navigating Extended Producer Responsibility: What’s Changing and What You Need to Know

The latest episode of the IRI podcast dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding innovation, sustainability, and legal compliance in the manufacturing sector. Join Lee Green as she hosts an insightful session with Lindsay Brown and Brad Molotsky, partners at Duane Morris and experts in environmental law and transactional real estate, respectively. Lindsay and Brad explore the intricacies of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations across various US states, discussing their impact on manufacturers, the complexities of compliance, and the importance of tracking and reporting.

They also address the growing significance of PFAS regulations and how they intersect with EPR, offering guidance for R&D professionals on preparing for upcoming legislative changes. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability and legal mandates. Don't miss the valuable advice and expert commentary on how to navigate these challenging times for innovators and manufacturers alike.

Transforming R&D: How Generative AI is Reshaping Innovation

Join us for an engaging interview with Sean Ammirati, CEO of Growth Signals and Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University, as he explores how generative AI enhancing speed and productivity in R&D. Sean will share how genAI is transforming ideation, literature discovery, and management practices like StageGate, while dispelling common misconceptions about its impact. Gain valuable insights into how this groundbreaking technology is reshaping the way innovation happens today—and where it’s headed.

Navigating AI Risks: Tackling Nefarious Uses and Emerging Threats

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Daniel Shin, a prominent cybersecurity researcher and COVA CCI research scientist, to delve into the growing concerns surrounding the nefarious use of large language models. Discover how these powerful AI tools are being exploited in unexpected ways, from generating fictitious travel books to creating synthetic video content for quick monetization.

Daniel shares valuable insights on the emerging risks posed by AI, including the surge in spam generation and the potential consequences for companies deploying AI technologies. He emphasizes the importance of proactive AI governance and cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks and ensure data privacy.

Learn about the innovative deepfake countermeasures and the future challenges in AI ethics and legality. This episode will equip you with essential knowledge to stay informed and prepared in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology.

Driving Circularity: A Thought Leader Interview with Brent Bell on the Future of Recycling

This episode features a compelling conversation with Brent Bell, VP of Recycling and President of Waste Management Recycle America, as he shares his insights on the evolution of the recycling landscape. Learn about WM's transformative $1.5 billion investment in recycling infrastructure, the shift from dual stream to single stream recycling, and the impact of lightweight packaging on recycling operations.

Explore the challenges and solutions surrounding demand for recycled materials, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and how companies are shifting towards designing for circularity. Brent discusses collaborations with brands to enhance product recyclability and the importance of consumer education in improving recycling rates.

As the episode unfolds, Brent sheds light on WM's strategies to meet increasing demand, from investing in chemical recycling projects to processing plastic films. Discover how regulatory changes, like minimum content regulations and EPR, are transforming the industry. Join us as we uncover the road ahead for recycling and sustainability.

Unlocking Innovation: How Milliken’s R&D Digitized Lab Notebooks for Improved Knowledge Access

In this webinar, we’ll dive into how Milliken’s R&D team enhanced their research processes by digitizing handwritten lab notebooks. Learn how this shift has streamlined access to decades of internal knowledge, enhanced collaboration, and driven innovation across teams. Join us for a conversation about the journey, challenges, and the cutting-edge tools that made this transition possible.

Balancing Profitability and Sustainability: Insights from PPG’s Ed Rakiewicz

In this webinar, Dr. Ed Rakiewicz, a recipient of the IRI Leadership Award, will discuss how PPG has successfully driven commercial growth while advancing its sustainability agenda. He will share the key enablers, challenges, and lessons learned in balancing profitability and sustainability, offering practical insights for businesses aiming to achieve both. Ed will also provide advice for early career professionals looking to make an impact in this space.

IRI/Uncountable: Mastering AI in R&D: Setting Expectations and Achieving Milestones

Join Lee Green from IRI as she engages in an insightful conversation with Noel Hollingsworth, the co-founder and CEO of Uncountable. Together, they delve into the transformative potential of AI in the realm of Research and Development (R&D) and explore the practical challenges organizations face in adopting AI technologies.

Noel shares his diverse background in machine learning, from optimizing hybrid engines at Ford to enhancing sports analytics for NBA and NFL teams, leading to the founding of Uncountable. The discussion highlights the gap in AI application across industries, emphasizing the need for better data readiness and structured processes in R&D sectors like industrial manufacturing.

The conversation further explores the evolution of Uncountable's approach, from focusing solely on AI to addressing foundational data issues, enabling organizations to effectively utilize AI. They discuss the importance of data quality, replicability, and clear goal-setting to ensure successful AI integration in scientific environments.

Noel offers valuable insights into managing expectations, fostering trust, and identifying incremental wins to build momentum within organizations. The episode concludes with strategic advice for leaders on preparing software, hardware, and people for AI advancements, setting the stage for long-term success in R&D.

Greenwashing: Navigating Corporate Sustainability

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of greenwashing with legal experts Laura Hammargren and Chris Bell. Laura, a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, specializes in toxic and mass tort litigation, while Chris focuses on civil and criminal enforcement and environmental regulatory matters. Hosted by Lee Green of IRI's research and strategic initiatives, this conversation sheds light on how companies can navigate the murky waters of environmental claims.

Laura and Chris explore the definition of greenwashing, discussing its implications for companies and the various legal claims that can arise from misleading environmental statements. They provide practical insights into how product development and R&D teams can mitigate risks by aligning closely with marketing strategies and ensuring claims are backed by reliable data.

The episode also touches on the global landscape of greenwashing regulations and the importance of accurate and truthful communication in avoiding potential lawsuits. Whether you're in the B2C or B2B sector, this discussion offers valuable guidance on how to approach sustainability claims responsibly.

Driving Innovation through Customer Insights: The Novonesis Approach to Collaborative Product Development

This report highlights the evolving role of customer insights in driving innovation, moving from simple data collection to a key component of the innovation process where customers actively co-create with companies. Businesses now leverage real-time interactions and advanced methodologies such as the Repertory Grid Technique, ethnographic research, and AI tools to gather deeper, more actionable insights. A case study of Novonesis demonstrates how integrating customer feedback, commercial feasibility, and technical viability leads to successful innovation across diverse industries.