Explore every episode of the podcast Innovation Ahead by IRI

Panel discussion with Portia Yarborough, Chief Science and Sustainability Officer, Michelman, Nici Bush, Chief Innovation, Science, and Technology Officer, Mars, and Robert Fast, CEO, Fast Technology Advisors Moderator: Lee Green, Executive Director, IRI Leading IRI members look back on the day and highlight some of the key takeaways from the sessions and discussions, across key themes: – Impact of AI – Finding transformational opportunities – Building resilience in the face of uncertainty They’ll reflect and discuss some of the key next steps to put into action back at home to place you in the best position to innovate the future for your organization.

Facilitator: Jared Forman, Principal, Forvis Mazars, Rahim Rahim, Director, Forvis Mazars, and Hasan Agha, Managing Director and Chief Architect, ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Discuss the steps you have taken to cultivate new value chain partners — and those you believe you’ll need to take in the future — as well as how to develop the capabilities and technologies that your organization will need in order to work with them effectively. 

Panel discussion with Steven Montgomery, R&D Vice President, Bioindustrials, Cargill and Zara Summers, Chief Strategy Officer, LanzaTech Moderator: Sean Ammirati, CEO and Co-Founder, Growth Signals Many industries are going through transitions that mean the customers, partners, and suppliers of tomorrow may not be the same as those of today: Auto OEMs are working with electric utilities, polymer makers with waste management firms, and CPGs with biotechs. This session looks at how to identify and engage the new value chain partners you will need in the future.

Facilitator: Lou Gritzo, Chief Science Officer, FM We are navigating a complex landscape where growth, sustainability, and supply chain resilience must coexist. This session invites you to share how you’re adapting your strategies and guiding your teams through uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and stakeholder demands. Together, we’ll explore emerging gaps and practical tools to strengthen decision-making and future-proof operations. 

Panel discussion with Jose Miguel Bejarano, Innovation Development Lead, Siemens Energy, and Judodine Nichols, Chief Technology Officer, Principal Mineral Moderator: Amy Thorn, CEO, Supply Chain Leaders in Action Innovation teams have been challenged to not only deliver on growth drivers, but also to support sustainability efforts. On top of this, global trade disruptions have given them another urgent reason to further rethink how their firms source materials, components, and energy — a trend that’s now shifted into overdrive this year. This session explores how leaders can incorporate sustainability and supply chain into their processes and frameworks in this environment. 

Facilitator: Seif Hagag, Enterprise Account Manager, Uncountable  Discuss your team-building strategies and brainstorm on how to develop the skills, attributes, and experiences that your teams will need to flourish in the future.

Fireside chat with Jeff Goldman, Vice President, Enterprise Data Science, Procter & Gamble and Katie Trauth Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder, Narratize AI and other disruptive trends are challenging leaders to re-think the way they staff, build, and train their teams. Still, the robots aren’t ready to replace us all just yet, which means for the foreseeable future our teams will be made up of humans working with AI. Jeff Goldman will discuss the joint study between Harvard and Procter & Gamble, looking at the impacts of AI on collaboration, outlined in The Cybernetic Teammate: A Field Experiment on Generative AI Reshaping Teamwork and Expertise in conversation with Katie Trauth Taylor of product innovation platform developer Narratize.

Facilitator: Mike Holman, Senior Content Director, IRI This working session will help attendees to explore learnings from Andrea Kates’ keynote and begin to think through how to apply them in their organization. In light of the insights and 5-step model from the keynote, where do you see the biggest challenges for your organization right now — and where do you believe you need to go next?

Opening Keynote with Andrea Kates, Corporate Growth Strategist & Former Tech CEO In an era of unprecedented uncertainty, the greatest risk isn’t failing to innovate—it’s failing to scale innovation. Too many high-potential ventures die on the vine. We’re overwhelmed by the opportunities to innovate, and challenged by the pressure to get ahead of risks we can’t control. We need to be resilient. We need to navigate the chaos and uncertainty. We need to lead with a completely different mindset. We need to get talent on board. We need to collaborate in ways we’ve never done before. And, we need to unlearn a lot of the innovation disciplines that worked in the past.

In this episode, host Lee Green talks with Sean Amirati of Growth Signals about three trends R&D leaders should prepare for in 2026: proof-of-work artifacts that both humans and agents can use, the AI collaboration stack, and agentic workflows (including co-scientist systems). They discuss moving beyond pilots to deliver real value, strategies for workforce adoption and culture change, and practical ways to evaluate and scale AI-driven innovation within R&D.

This IRI podcast episode features Colin Scott of Innventure discussing how R&D leaders can reduce risk, be highly selective, and decide when to stop projects before committing major resources.

Colin explains the needs‑led approach, critical factor assessment, and prioritization techniques, and shares the PureCycle case as an example of successful external commercialization. He closes with a mindset shift: let the market problem, not the technology, drive your decisions.

In this episode Lee Green interviews Lori Austino, DuPont’s global technology leader, about how the company defines and manages substances of concern. Lori explains the shift from acute to chronic toxicants, the development of internal standards and substance lists, and the principles that guide existing products versus new innovations.

She reviews practical tools, alternatives assessment methods, and a workbook to support R&D decisions, and discusses challenges around supplier disclosure, waste streams, circularity, and avoiding regrettable substitutions. The episode closes with next steps for integrating sustainability into strategic value and ongoing cross-functional collaboration.

Link to the database mentioned in the webinar

In this discussion, we explore the fast-changing role of modeling and machine learning in formulation design, shifting from a supportive tool to a driving force of innovation. Once a “nice to have,” computational modeling is now reducing reliance on costly, time-intensive experiments and accelerating product development across industries, from consumer goods to aerospace and semiconductors. We’ll highlight how advances in AI/ML and physics-based simulations are helping researchers manage the growing complexity of real-world formulations, bridging the gap between theory and commercial products. Whether you’re a formulation scientist, data enthusiast, or R&D leader, this session sheds light on how digital tools are reshaping the lab and the future of product innovation.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Thomas Steen, CTO of Nortek Data Center Cooling, as he shares his journey from aerospace engineering to the world of data centers. Discover the challenges and innovations in cooling technologies that are essential for operating today’s massive data centers, vital for AI advancements. Learn about Nortek's pioneering approach to efficiently managing power and water resources, essential to the future of sustainable and scalable data centers. Whether you're a scientist, engineer, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of data center infrastructure and what lies ahead.

In this episode, Meetal Desai is joined by Steve Hafif, the CEO of Cypris, to explore the challenges and solutions in knowledge management for R&D teams.

Steve shares his expertise on the integration of AI into research and development workflows, emphasizing the importance of clean data systems and centralized information storage for improved decision-making. He outlines the evolution of AI tools in breaking down data silos, creating efficiencies, and fostering collaboration within organizations.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Cypris leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance research capabilities, offering valuable strategies for companies looking to optimize their R&D processes.

The Innovation Research Interchange podcast delves into the forefront of the innovation ecosystem, focusing on water technology and sustainability. Industry leaders discuss exciting advancements in research and development, including efforts to pilot groundbreaking technologies for extracting and managing critical minerals, and eliminating PFAS from water.

This episode also highlights the importance of workforce development, showcasing various programs designed to create seamless career pathways in the water sector. Collaboration across industries, research institutions, and community partners is emphasized as integral to driving innovation forward, especially in regions rich in natural water resources like the Great Lakes.

Listeners are offered insights into how strategic partnerships are fostering an environment ripe for innovation and how investing in infrastructure and R&D is essential for a sustainable future. Key speakers provide a comprehensive overview of the critical, multidisciplinary challenges and opportunities in the quest for water sustainability.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a shorten version of the "Legal Implications of Generative AI Update with Iria Giuffrida" episode hosted by Leigh Green, who oversees IRI's Research and Strategic Initiatives, this episode dives deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal system.

Iria discusses her latest research, including a groundbreaking chapter on how the White House's executive order on AI may impact civil litigation in the United States. She also provides updates on significant cases involving copyright and patent issues with large language models, highlighting the challenges and complexities businesses face in this rapidly evolving field.

The conversation explores the risks and benefits of AI tools in business, touching on intellectual property protection, privacy concerns, and the ethical implications of AI use. Iria shares her insights on how businesses can navigate the regulatory landscape, both at the state and federal levels, and the potential impact of international regulations like the EU AI Act.

Don't miss this episode for a comprehensive look at the current and future challenges of integrating AI into the legal and business worlds.

Employee upskilling is essential for organizations to stay competitive and foster innovation. This episode explores how Eastman Chemical Company and A. O. Smith Corporation are leading the way in workforce development with their comprehensive upskilling programs.

Eastman Chemical Company has introduced a cutting-edge initiative focusing on generative AI, empowering employees to explore new technologies through structured classes and practical applications. Their proactive approach ensures that employees are equipped to leverage AI for business value and competitive advantage.

A. O. Smith Corporation integrates upskilling with knowledge management by systematically training its workforce on established engineering techniques and creating subject matter expert councils. These councils capture and share critical technical knowledge, supporting business objectives and succession planning.

The episode highlights key takeaways, including the importance of aligning upskilling efforts with employee needs and organizational goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and measuring the impact and effectiveness of training programs. Learn how these industry leaders are shaping the future of workforce development and discover actionable insights for improving your own training initiatives.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Iria Giuffrida, Professor of Practice of Law and Assistant Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs at William & Mary Law School, as she shares her expertise on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal system. Hosted by Lee Green, the discussion delves into the latest updates on significant AI-related legal cases, the implications of the EU AI Act, and practical recommendations for businesses navigating the complex landscape of AI governance.

Discover how AI is reshaping industries, the potential risks, and how businesses can mitigate these challenges. Whether you're concerned about privacy, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI domain.

In this insightful episode, Lee Green interviews Lora Cerere, founder of Supply Chain Insights, as they delve into the evolving landscape of supply chain management. 

Lora discusses the critical assumptions that have changed in global supply chains and the importance of aligning R&D with supply chain strategies. She emphasizes the need for better network management, understanding demand latency, and using AI and machine learning to drive value.

The conversation also explores sustainability challenges, the importance of being a good trading partner, and practical steps companies can take to improve their supply chain operations. Lora's insights provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains and preparing for future uncertainties.

Explore the critical role of strategic roadmapping and foresighting in organizational planning through the lens of Campbell's Soup Company. This episode delves into how these intertwined processes enable effective goal alignment, resource allocation, and uncertainty navigation.

Learn about the importance of agility and stakeholder engagement in fostering collaboration and informed decision-making. Discover how generative AI enhances these processes by rapidly analyzing datasets, aiding in analysis, pattern recognition, and trend identification.

Featuring Campbell's Soup Company, this episode showcases best practices in strategic roadmapping and foresighting, highlighting how a legacy company has successfully prioritized new product initiatives and strategic resource allocation. Gain actionable insights from IRI's extensive research and Campbell's real-world application to refine your own organizational planning strategies.

Facilitator: Laura Buen Abad, Sonoco

Speakers: Michael Davin, National Association of Manufacturers

In this insightful episode, Laura Buen Abad, the technology and marketing lead at Sonoco, engages in a compelling discussion with Mike Davin from the National Association of Manufacturers. They delve into the intricate landscape of PFAS regulations, recent developments, and their implications for various industries.

Mike Davin provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new rules, including the drinking water standards and Superfund designations for PFAS chemicals. He highlights the extensive impact these regulations could have on multiple sectors, from manufacturing to waste management, and emphasizes the importance of compliance and reporting.

The conversation also explores potential shifts in regulatory approaches under different political administrations, the challenges posed by a patchwork of state and international regulations, and strategies for companies to mitigate legal risks in an increasingly litigious environment.

This episode is a must-listen for industry professionals seeking to understand and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS and other environmental issues.

Facilitator: Portia Yarborough, Michelman

Speaker: Gavin Towler, Honeywell

Join Gavin Towler, Corporate Chief Scientist, Sustainability Technology and Chief Sustainability Officer at Honeywell, and Portia Yarborough, Chief Science and Sustainability Officer at Michelman, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of science, sustainability, and innovation. In this keynote session, they explore the challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainability in the corporate world.

Portia shares her experiences at Michelman, a company specializing in water-based coatings, emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer interactions and thought-sharing within the sustainability community. Gavin delves into Honeywell's ambitious goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, and discusses the critical role of lifecycle analysis and co-innovation in developing sustainable technologies.

The session covers a range of topics, from the impact of Scope 3 emissions on product development to the potential of AI in enhancing sustainability efforts. Gavin also highlights the importance of resilient microgrids, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the global push towards a hydrogen economy. This conversation provides valuable insights for technology leaders and innovators committed to driving sustainable change.

Facilitator: Jerry Grunewald, INVISTA

Panelists: Alyssa Mueller, Hess, and Alberto Ferrari, RTX 

Jerry Grunewald from INVISTA kicks off the conference by discussing the importance of knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer interaction at IRI events. He introduces his colleagues Alyssa and Alberto, who delve into the transformative power of digitization and AI in their respective industries.

Alyssa from Hess talks about her role in digital enablement and architecture, focusing on modernizing IT and fostering an innovation culture. She shares insights on how Hess leverages AI for reservoir characterization, significantly reducing simulation times from 11 hours to 40 seconds, thus optimizing their development plans.

Alberto from RTX discusses the challenges and strategies of scaling digital transformation in a large aerospace and defense company. He highlights successes in using digital twins and AI to enhance product lifecycle management and improve manufacturing processes.

Key Topics:

• Strategies for implementing digitization and AI
• Overcoming pilot purgatory and scaling innovations
• The importance of change management and stakeholder engagement
• Future technologies like quantum computing and AI-driven optimization

Join Alyssa and Alberto as they share their journeys, successes, and the ongoing challenges in transforming their industries through digital innovation.

Facilitator: Lee Green, IRI

Panelist: Julie Edgar, The Lubrizol Corporation

In this episode, we welcome Julie Edgar, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Lubrizol, and Lee Green, Assistant Vice President of Research and Strategy at IRI, to the stage. Julie shares her journey from a coal-mining town in Wales to leading technological innovations at Lubrizol. She discusses the company's rich history, starting from a garage in Cleveland to becoming a global leader in chemical solutions.

Julie delves into the organizational changes at Lubrizol, emphasizing the creation of a dedicated corporate technology function and a corporate innovation team. She explains how Lubrizol has leveraged its diverse chemistry platforms to drive innovation and sustainability. Julie also highlights the importance of agility in the innovation process and the company's commitment to human health and environmental impacts.

Julie addresses the challenges of balancing long-term research with immediate business needs, sharing insights on the criteria used to evaluate and advance projects. The episode concludes with a discussion on sustainability, focusing on how Lubrizol is working to reduce its carbon footprint and develop sustainable solutions.

Join us for an insightful conversation on how Lubrizol is navigating the complexities of innovation and sustainability in the chemical industry.

Facilitator: Nancy Mancilla, Environ

Panelists: Joel Schall, Henkel, and Dan Boss, The AZEK Company

The panel will explore the intersection of sustainability and innovation processes, shedding light on how organizations integrate sustainability goals into their product development strategies. Panelists will delve into the intricacies of incorporating sustainability criteria into StageGate and other innovation processes, ensuring that organizational sustainability goals are woven into the fabric of innovation. The discussion will highlight the pivotal role of customer insights derived from sustainable preferences, emphasizing the importance of aligning products with the evolving market landscape.

In this enlightening episode, we delve into a deep-dive conversation with Aaron Szabo, Senior Director at Faegre Drinker. Harnessing his over a decade experience dealing with environmental, energy, and manufacturing issues, this podcast episode gives us illuminating insights into environmental and energy regulations and their impact. Zabo masterfully delves into the challenges of compliance and risk management strategies, offering invaluable guidance for businesses facing these issues.

Progressing further, the episode explores EU regulations, focusing on the intricacies of the Chemicals Agency and Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH). This episode further discusses the workings of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and its implications. Thus, this podcast serves as an indispensable resource for anyone interested in understanding more about environmental and energy regulations, compliance, and strategic decision-making.

Cutting through the complexities of global supply chains, the podcast explores how the processes that create simple products require coordination across several countries. It considers the associated carbon emissions during manufacturing and shipping, and the challenges of proving these emissions for compliance with proposed EU regulations. Furthermore, it explores the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), its implementation, and impacts on developing effective supply chain and manufacturing strategies.

The episode also explores the growing pressure to understand and adhere to downstream and upstream customer demands amidst the diversifying trade regulations across Europe and the US. The session shares insights from experts like Tim Turner on how a fluctuating regulatory landscape impacts businesses. A significant feature is the discussion around the hope of convergence of these regulations for a streamlined global trade system.

Overall, this episode is a must-listen for those interested in global trade, aiming to understand the labyrinth of environmental regulations across borders, and looking to the future of compliance in major sectors.

This report sheds light on the significance of knowledge management and transfer in innovation and research development, focusing on Caterpillar Inc.'s exceptional practice of these critical business functions. Modern enterprises grapple with the challenge of retaining valuable knowledge in the face of increasing staff turnover and retirement – this is where effective knowledge management and transfer come in.

The best practices discussed in this report illustrate how to capture, manage, and transfer knowledge efficiently across different industries. Caterpillar's knowledge management and transfer processes, considered best-in-class, showcase comprehensive strategies, well-organized infrastructure, and the use of advanced technology. This approach has ingrained values of knowledge sharing and data accessibility, pivotal facets of an enterprise's capabilities and growth.

Key points covered include the crucial role of technology in simplifying knowledge management, the significance of strong leadership in prioritizing these processes, the importance of fostering human interaction for knowledge sharing, the impactful use of mentoring for tacit knowledge transfer, and the need for continuous modification and metrics for strategy evaluation.

Additionally, the report delves into the distinction between knowledge management and knowledge transfer, citing knowledge management as the systematic management of collective knowledge– while knowledge transfer emphasizes moving that knowledge from one source to another. Caterpillar's successful approach showcases the paramount importance of both concepts working harmoniously for efficient information retention and usage.

Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 100 company, stands as a pioneering example in the realm of knowledge management and transfer. Their approach ensures the smooth, efficient flow of information across global departments while preserving the company's long-standing heritage and knowledge base. Their processes and techniques provide a roadmap for companies seeking to learn from the best in the business.

Listen as Thomas Thurston, chief technologist at Ducera Partners, and Greg Hannon, former chief technology officer at W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., delve into the development of a tool that brings increased clarity to innovation portfolio decisions. They cover industry applications, the process of creating such a tool, and the transformative role of AI in shaping the future of innovation. Gain valuable perspectives on leveraging data for informed decision-making in your organization.

In the latest installment of IRI's Sustainability Thought Leader series, we chat with Jeff Strahan, the Director of Research Compliance and Sustainability at Milliken and Company. Strahan provides an intriguing insight into his personal journey in sustainability, the difficulties and opportunities in dealing with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and Milliken's assertive approach to sustainable development.

Strahan shares his experience of discovering potential challenges PFAS could pose for Milliken in 2019 and the steps he took to understand the problem at its core. He tackles the regulatory obstacles posed by PFAS and how Milliken responded by integrating customer demands with the company's values.

We gain insight into how he managed to align the company leadership with the necessary changes, highlighting the role of effective communication and understanding regulatory demands. Strahan also underscores the importance of proactive supply chain management amidst changing regulations.

In a deeper dive into the implications of PFAS omission in the textile industry, Strahan discusses the technical difficulties, varying impacts of PFAS replacements, and the role of fluorine as a water-repellent agent. He also tells the story of Milliken's massive R&D efforts in an attempt to eliminate PFAS usage.

Despite noteworthy strides in PFAS replacement, the episode explores prevalent industry challenges, like developing a textile that can repel oil while meeting exacting textile standards. The episode also sheds light on the various analytical techniques used in PFAS detection and their respective limitations.

Wrapping up the episode, Strahan discusses the business strategies Milliken had to adopt to cope with the decision to sever relationships with customers still using PFAS. The episode offers invaluable learning about Milliken's dedication to sustainability and presents an insightful roadmap for businesses setting forth on similar paths.

Discover the intricacies of Horizon 2 (H2) opportunity management and learn how to effectively build an organizational culture that embraces innovation. This white paper, "The Challenge of Horizon 2, Implications for Effective Opportunity Development," by Scott Matthews and Stephanie Hartwig, provides insights into the successful implementation of a governance framework for H2.

Exploring the complexity of H2 opportunity development, the paper presents best practices on fostering an entrepreneurial culture that embraces risk-taking and encourages cross-divisional collaboration. The importance of leadership buy-in and continuous improvement are underscored, demonstrating their vital role in H2 execution.

Dive into the research-backed methodologies and an extensive literature review that supports the creation of a dedicated H2 Opportunity Governance Framework. Learn about the crucial elements of the Three Horizons model and why Horizon 2 holds a unique position in opportunity development. Understand the need for a governance body to manage H2 opportunities effectively, create brand extension, and diversify revenue streams.

The exhaustive case study featured in this white paper provides practical applications of the Opportunity Governance Framework. Follow along to discover the ways a global manufacturing company successfully tackled their H2 challenges using a structured choice architecture.

The paper concludes with a deep dive on managing various H2 opportunity types, stressing the need for differentiated governance structures to handle the distinct nature of each opportunity. Learn how to exploit and explore opportunities, use a concept card, and manage transitions effectively. Managers will find the final focus areas especially indispensable in improving their approach to H2.

This study serves as a comprehensive blueprint for practitioners who want to successfully develop H2 opportunities. With its detailed guide, it offers practical approaches that are sure to yield great decision satisfaction and create next-generation core business products.

Explore the immediate impact of AI on scientific processes, from foundational tasks to failure mode identification, and gain perspectives on its future trajectory in scientific applications, alongside insights into student engagement with this transformative technology.

Thought Leader Interview with Luiziana Ribeiro, Director of Sustainability, BASF

Setting your organization’s sustainability strategy and goals is one step in the sustainability journey.  The next is to be able to tell a compelling story to bring along staff, shareholders, customers, and other key stakeholders.  Luiziana Ribeiro, director of sustainability, BASF, shares how she is working to tell BASF’s story in ways that will help the organization to progress its goals and strategy in an inclusive, customer focused way.