Innovators Summit 2026

Join us in Charlotte for the Innovators Summit, where innovators and experts will come together to focus on building the capabilities and strategies that drive IMPACT. If you’re looking to explore the drivers of innovation growth and uncover practical ways to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape, this event is designed for you. Across three days, you’ll dive into the trends, tools, and conversations shaping the future of innovation while connecting with peers who are facing the same challenges and opportunities. You’ll leave with fresh perspectives and actionable ideas you can bring back to your organization.

We are the Innovation Research Interchange

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.

Upcoming Events

Open Innovation Roundtable

Open Innovation Roundtable

04/15/2026
11 am – 1 pm
05/20/2026
11 am
05/20/2026
11 am
Leading Innovation Organizations, Open Innovation and Contests
Webinar: Transforming Clean Label Innovation in FMCG via Physics-Powered AI and Predictive Modeling

Webinar: Transforming Clean Label Innovat…

04/16/2026
12 pm – 1 pm
Innovation, Artificial Intellegence
Digitalization and AI Monthly Roundtable

Digitalization and AI Monthly Roundtable

04/17/2026
11 am – 1 pm
05/15/2026
11 am – 1 pm
06/18/2026
11 am – 1 pm
Digital Innovation, Leading Innovation Organizations
Sustainability Monthly Roundtable

Sustainability Monthly Roundtable

04/24/2026
12 pm
05/29/2026
12 pm
06/26/2026
12 pm
Sustainability and ESG, Leading Innovation Organizations
Innovating Value Monthly Roundtable

Innovating Value Monthly Roundtable

05/13/2026
12 pm – 1 pm
06/10/2026
12 pm – 1 pm
Strategic Planning, Breakthrough Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Disruptive Innovation, Innovation Metrics, Portfolio Management
Online Case Study Workshop: Formulating a Future-Oriented Strategy

Online Case Study Workshop: Formulating a…

05/13/2026
12 pm – 1:15 pm
Innovation, Create a future-ready workforce
Webinar: How to Master B2B VOC in an AI World

Webinar: How to Master B2B VOC in an AI W…

05/28/2026
12 pm – 1 pm
Artificial Intellegence, Business Model Innovation
leaping to the next step

Shaping Innovation Leaders 2026

06/15/2026
at 11 am
06/19/2026
at 3 pm
Organizational Vision, Culture, Talent Management, Organization and Future of Work

Latest Resources

Community Forum – How do you manage the use of prototyping and measure its success?

Community Forum – How do you manage the u…

03/27/2026
Survey (Community Forum)
New Product Development
person talking into a mic at a computer

AI at the Frontier of Scientific Innovati…

03/26/2026
Audio Presentation/Podcast
Innovation, Artificial Intellegence
point to data points on a chart

The Innovation Challenge to Advantage Ser…

03/20/2026
Report
Innovation, Tools and Techniques
Community Forum – How do you document AI interactions during the inventive process?

Community Forum – How do you document AI …

03/06/2026
Survey (Community Forum)
Artificial Intellegence
From Bits to Atoms: Managing the Deep Tech Renaissance

From Bits to Atoms: Managing the Deep Tec…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
R&D, Technology Roadmapping
The Next Renaissance: Reasons for AI Optimism

The Next Renaissance: Reasons for AI Opti…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Artificial Intellegence

The Latest RTM

From Bits to Atoms: Managing the Deep Tech Renaissance

From Bits to Atoms: Managing the Deep Tec…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
R&D, Technology Roadmapping
The Next Renaissance: Reasons for AI Optimism

The Next Renaissance: Reasons for AI Opti…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Artificial Intellegence
Catalyzing Regional Innovation Ecosystems to Address Global Challenges: Toward the Fourth-Generation University?

Catalyzing Regional Innovation Ecosystems…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Innovation
Turning the EU’s Right-to-Repair into Licensing Advantage: A Playbook for Corporate Innovators

Turning the EU’s Right-to-Repair into Lic…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
IP Management
Orchestrating Networks for Radical Innovation: The Moderating Effect of Network Routines

Orchestrating Networks for Radical Innova…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Innovation
AI Powers Agriculture 4.0

AI Powers Agriculture 4.0

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Innovation
AI: Let’s Get Physical

AI: Let’s Get Physical

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Innovation, Artificial Intellegence
Skin Deep

Skin Deep

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Enhance Sustainability
Where Are All the CFOs?

Where Are All the CFOs?

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Creating a future-ready workforce
Making AI Make Sense: Explainable AI for Trustworthy Intelligence

Making AI Make Sense: Explainable AI for …

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Creating a future-ready workforce
Tammarrian Rogers: From Tinkering to Inclusive Tech Entrepreneur

Tammarrian Rogers: From Tinkering to Incl…

03/03/2026
RTM Publication
Innovation
rtm-journal-cover

2026 R&D Trends Forecast

01/20/2026
RTM Publication
R & D, Trends, Survey

Recent Discussions

Community Forum – How do you manage the use of prototyping and measure its success?

Community Forum – How do you manage the u…

03/27/2026
Survey (Community Forum)
New Product Development
Community Forum – How do you document AI interactions during the inventive process?

Community Forum – How do you document AI …

03/06/2026
Survey (Community Forum)
Artificial Intellegence
Community Forum – How are you using AI insights to guide decision-making?

Community Forum – How are you using AI in…

02/20/2026
Survey (Community Forum)
Artificial Intellegence
Community Forum – What documentation do you require to start a project?

Community Forum – What documentation do y…

02/13/2026
Survey (Community Forum)
Project Management
Community Forum – Which patent or IP intelligence platform does your organization rely on most?

Community Forum – Which patent or IP inte…

02/06/2026
Survey (Community Forum)
IP Management
Community Forum – How are you using AI authoring tools?

Community Forum – How are you using AI au…

11/21/2025
Survey (Community Forum)
Artificial Intellegence
Community Forum – How do you do your LCAs? 

Community Forum – How do you do your LCAs? 

10/10/2025
Survey (Community Forum)
Enhance Sustainability
Community Forum – What is your process for acquiring new raw materials for R&D? 

Community Forum – What is your process fo…

08/22/2025
Survey (Community Forum)
R&D, Process Mapping and Design, Process Improvement
Community Forum – How are you currently using AI?

Community Forum – How are you currently u…

08/15/2025
Survey (Community Forum)
Digital Innovation, Digitalization, Managing Emerging Technologies
Community Forum – How are you upskilling and planning for future digital skill needs? 

Community Forum – How are you upskilling …

07/18/2025
Survey (Community Forum)
Digital Innovation, Digitalization, Managing Emerging Technologies
Community Forum – What librarian tool do you use for R&D knowledge?

Community Forum – What librarian tool do …

06/20/2025
Survey (Community Forum)
R&D, Tools and Techniques
Community Forum – How do you onboard and enable/accelerate productivity of Experienced New Hires?

Community Forum – How do you onboard and …

06/13/2025
Survey (Community Forum)
Talent Management