Innovation Leadership Without Boundaries
We are home to a worldwide network of cross-industry leaders driving innovation and new growth – representing small specialty companies, large global corporations, government labs, and universities.
A unique and dynamic collaborative atmosphere.
Our network of cross-industry leaders is as diverse as the value we create across all fields of industry. We advance the field of innovation management by generating contemporary practices that accelerate value creation. The IRI is a division of the National Association of Manufacturers.
INNOVATION GROWTH DRIVERS
Innovation Pipeline
Breaking siloes to accelerate the pipeline
Learn More Innovation Pipeline
Workforce
Building a future-ready workforce
Learn More Workforce
Leveraging AI
Harnessing AI for real-world impact
Learn More Leveraging AI
Sustainability
Creating value through sustainability
Learn More Sustainability
Managing Uncertainty
Thriving amid disruption
Learn More Managing Uncertainty
Future Ready Innovation Tour
As manufacturers navigate AI-driven transformation, workforce shifts, global uncertainty, and growing pressure to turn innovation into measurable impact, building future-ready R&D teams has become a critical priority.
The Future Ready Innovation Tour of Ohio will bring together manufacturers, universities, and innovation partners for site visits, workshops, and working sessions focused on the capabilities future R&D leaders will need to compete.
Participants will explore early findings from IRI’s Future R&D Capabilities Study, share perspectives across the innovation ecosystem, and help shape the next phase of work.
Innovating the Future: Exploring What’s Next for R&D
IRI’s Innovating the Future event is coming to Orlando, FL, from December 2–3, bringing together innovation and R&D leaders to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the way organizations create, connect, and deliver value. This year’s event will look beyond traditional innovation models and into a future shaped by AI-augmented R&D, interconnected innovation networks, and more adaptive approaches to discovery and development.
Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss what these shifts mean for their teams, processes, and strategies. From exploring best practices to pressure-testing ideas with peers, Innovating the Future will help you think through how to position your organization for what’s ahead. Join us in Orlando to gain fresh perspectives, strengthen your peer connections, and leave with practical insights to help move your innovation strategy forward.
Transform Your Technical Expertise into Business Leadership
Developed by IRI in partnership with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Shaping Innovation Leaders is an intensive five-day, in-person program designed for high-potential R&D and innovation professionals who are ready to connect their technical expertise with business insight. Strengthen your business acumen, make more confident strategic decisions, collaborate effectively across functions, and increase your impact as an innovation leader.
Held June 14–18, 2027, at Northwestern University’s Global Hub in Evanston, Illinois, the program brings together a cross-industry cohort for immersive learning, practical application, and lasting professional connections.
Register today to take advantage of early registration savings and secure your spot in this year’s cohort.
LATEST COMMUNITY SURVEYS
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Community Forum – How do you build and maintain a database to track your organization’s university engagements?
Community Forum – How do you manage the use of prototyping and measure its success?
Community Forum – How do you document AI interactions during the inventive process?
Community Forum – How are you using AI insights to guide decision-making?
Community Forum – What documentation do you require to start a project?
Community Forum – Which patent or IP intelligence platform does your organization rely on most?
Community Forum – How are you using AI authoring tools?
Community Forum – How do you do your LCAs?
Community Forum – What is your process for acquiring new raw materials for R&D?
Community Forum – How are you currently using AI?
