Resource Center
Research, insights, and practical tools for innovation and R&D leaders — all in one place.
Profile: 2013 Shaping Innovation Leaders Alumnus: Catching up with Mark Smerznak
September 3, 2026What does it take to move from technical expertise to enterprise leadership? Mark Smerznak, Senior Vice President and Chief Research & Development Officer at The Clorox Company and a 2013 alumnus of IRI’s
August 28, 2026
Survey responses say companies use multiple tools—off-the-shelf and customized—and often keep separate lists for different engagement types. Challenges include university data availability, timing, and operating methods.
Future Ready Innovation Tour of Ohio 2026 Summary
August 28, 2026Abstract The Future Ready Innovation Tour of Ohio 2026 brought together manufacturing R&D leaders, higher education partners and innovation stakeholders to examine how rapid technological change, workforce shifts and global competition are reshaping the future of research and development. Built around findings from IRI’s
Profile: 2026 Innovation Research Interchange Promising Early Career Innovation Professional Award: Catching Up with Dr. Sumeru Nayak
August 24, 2026In this interview, Dr. Sumeru Nayak, Senior AI Engineer, R&D Digital Team at James Hardie and the recipient of the IRI Promising Early Career Innovation Professional Award, shares lessons from his interdisciplinary career and reflects on the role of systems thinking and mentorship in driving innovation. He discusses introducing AI effectively, developing practical digital tools…
August 24, 2026
Survey responses say companies use multiple tools—off-the-shelf and customized—and often keep separate lists for different engagement types. Challenges include university data availability, timing, and operating methods.
August 24, 2026
Presentation with Jonathan Welch August 2026 The IRI podcast episode features Jonathan Welch, VP of AI and Machine Learning at Albert, discussing why many R&D organizations stall in their AI journeys and how a strong data foundation and purpose-built AI can unlock decades of trapped scientific knowledge. Topics include the difference between quantitative and tribal…
Future R&D Capabilities Phase I Study: Top Skills Needed for Successful R&D Teams
August 18, 2026Abstract This study examines the skills, capabilities and organizational models manufacturing R&D teams will need to succeed over the next five to seven years as artificial intelligence, workforce shifts and growing global complexity reshape innovation. Drawing on IRI research, industry trends, discussions with R&D leaders and input from a working group of senior innovation executives…
July 24, 2026
Presentation with Jeffrey Sanders and Michael Rauch July 2026 This webinar explored how physics-based simulations and machine learning are helping chemical companies accelerate sustainable innovation while reducing development risk. Attendees learned how a “predict-first” digital chemistry approach can evaluate properties such as solubility, stability, and material compatibility before physical testing begins. The session also highlighted…
July 17, 2026
Presentation with Eva Tuecke July 2026 Join IRI for a conversation with Eva Tuecke as she reflects on her path from physics research at Fermilab to SpaceX and the startup world, and the experiences that have shaped her perspective on scientific discovery and innovation. Drawing on lessons from across her career, Eva will share insights…
Profile: 2026 Innovation Research Interchange Innovation Leadership Award: Catching Up with Dr. T. Edwin Freeman
July 9, 2026Milliken connects disciplined project execution with portfolio strategy to balance near-term results and long-term innovation. Its approach uses portfolio management to guide priorities, resources, and growth planning.
