Invitational Lectures

---

Innovation is an integral component that spurs growth in business and in the broader economy. For a product or technology that is based on innovative ideas originating either in academic research or in corporate R&D, the key to a successful and sustainable launch in marketplace depends on nurturing and encouraging an innovative mindset. This means extending the innovative spirit from the technical front to market front: by identifying and adapting technology to market opportunities. The hallmark of a successful company is to achieve strategic alignment between its core competencies and the innovative power of its employees, and with a thorough understanding of the market needs, offer innovative solutions. Exciting new products and new markets are created when technology development matches market need and creates a sustainable market value. The seminar will discuss how innovation can spawn and grow in academic research as well as in corporate environments through examples covering four aspects of commercializing Innovation:

• Innovations in R&D: Breakthrough in Nanotechnology Research
• Innovations in New Product Launch: Miniaturizing Hydrogen Refinery
• Business Processes Innovations: Beyond Kaizen and Six Sigma
• Innovative Business Models: Creating Value by Leveraging Supply Chains.

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.