Become anInnovation Manager

Becoming an Innovation Manager is like embarking on a thrilling adventure where you get to explore the unknown, solve complex puzzles, and shape the future. It’s about being at the cutting edge of innovation, constantly challenging yourself to push boundaries and think differently. As an Innovation Manager, you have the power to make a real impact, driving positive change in the world and leaving your mark on history.

• Lead exciting projects and drive creative change.
• Shape the future of products and services.
• Collaborate with diverse teams and innovators.
• Solve unique problems with fresh, new ideas.

As an Innovation Manager, your days are filled with excitement and variety. You might be leading brainstorming sessions to generate fresh ideas, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions, or pitching your vision to senior executives. You’re constantly analysing market trends, identifying emerging technologies, and experimenting with new approaches to stay ahead of the curve.

Innovation Managers will be big-picture thinkers who help clients or coworkers succeed by creating the ideal environment for nurturing innovation. As leaders, Innovation Managers will bring together experts, host brainstorming sessions and workshops, and strategise to help their teams collaborate and share their ideas for the design and development of creative solutions. 

An Innovation Manager will always look for new ways and technologies to help their teams maintain an environment best-suited to creativity and innovation. They’ll also oversee the entire innovation cycle from the first seed of a new idea to getting ready to launch a new product onto the market. 

It will be important for an Innovation Manager to stay curious so they can keep ahead of new developments and early trends. Innovation Managers will benefit from qualifications in business management, especially organisational development.

Innovation Managers are in demand across a wide range of industries, where their expertise is needed to drive innovation and stay competitive. From technology and healthcare to finance and entertainment, there’s virtually no limit to where an Innovation Manager can make their mark.

Innovation Managers are the unsung heroes of industries around the globe, bringing fresh ideas and bold strategies to the table to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Finance
• Automotive
• Fashion
• Energy

As an Innovation Manager you’ll need a diverse set of skills that blend creativity, critical thinking, and leadership.

Innovation Managers are masters of versatility, possessing a unique blend of skills that enable them to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of innovation with ease.

• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership
• Problem-Solving
• Communication
• Adaptability

Studying the right subjects can lay the foundation for a successful career as an Innovation Manager, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field.

Education is the key to unlocking your potential as an Innovation Manager, and choosing the right subjects can set you on the path to success.

Business Studies

Understand the fundamentals of business strategy and management.

Design Thinking

Learn how to approach problems from a human-centric perspective.

Computer Science

Gain proficiency in technology and software development.

Psychology

Understand human behaviour and motivation.

Economics

Learn about market dynamics and resource allocation.

Innovation Management

Dive deep into the principles and practices of innovation.

As an Innovation Manager, you get to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with brilliant minds, and shape the future of industries. Whether it’s inventing new products, revolutionising processes, or driving organisational change, every day brings a new adventure and a new opportunity to make a difference.

Brainstorm New Ideas with Creative Teams

Lead dynamic brainstorming sessions with designers, engineers, and marketers to come up with groundbreaking products, services, or solutions that could change the market.

Experiment with New Technologies

Test and explore the latest tech, like virtual reality, AI tools, or sustainable materials, to see how they can be used to create innovative products or enhance business processes.

Develop Prototypes and Test Concepts

Work with development teams to build prototypes of new ideas and run tests to see which concepts are the most viable and exciting for future projects.

Collaborate with Startups and Innovators

Partner with startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation hubs to scout new talent, explore fresh ideas, and find potential partnerships that align with the company’s goals.

Pitch New Innovations to Stakeholders

Present creative ideas and project proposals to senior management, clients, or investors, making the case for why these new innovations will succeed in the market.

Monitor Market Trends and Spot Opportunities

Keep a close eye on emerging trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activities to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation in the business.

Australia is buzzing with female innovation leaders who are transforming industries, driving creative solutions, and leading teams to new heights. Here are four wellknown female Innovation Managers making their mark:

Olivia O’Connor

As the Head of Innovation at ANZ, Olivia leads cross-functional teams to develop innovative digital banking solutions, focusing on enhancing customer experiences through new technologies and creative approaches.

Nicole Cook

Innovation Manager at Mirvac, Nicole is known for her work in sustainable building and urban development. She spearheads projects that integrate smart technologies and eco-friendly materials to create the cities of tomorrow.

Kimberley Le Lievre

With a role at PwC Australia, Kimberley drives innovation strategy, helping businesses adapt to change and implement creative solutions in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

Merryn Clancy

As the Innovation and Strategy Manager at Telstra, Merryn focuses on digital transformation initiatives that leverage emerging technologies to improve services, streamline operations, and create new value for customers.

In addition to skills, successful Innovation Managers possess certain personality traits that set them apart and drive their success in the field.

Being an Innovation Manager isn’t just about what you know – it’s also about who you are. Cultivating the right personality traits can help you thrive in this dynamic and challenging role.

• Curiosity
• Resilience
• Visionary
• Collaboration
• Risk-Taking
• Passion

You could opt for a Bachelor’s degree in fields like Business Innovation, Engineering, or Technology Management. These degrees will give you a solid foundation in the skills you’ll need to thrive in the world of innovation.

University Degrees in Business, Design, or Innovation

Bachelor of Commerce (Innovation and Entrepreneurship): Start with a degree in Commerce, focusing on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, to gain a solid grounding in business strategy, creative problem-solving, and leadership. Curtin University in Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which covers key areas like business innovation, digital disruption, and new venture creation. This programme provides you with the essential knowledge to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and manage creative teams.

Bachelor of Design (Innovation and Design Management): Consider a degree in Design, specialising in Innovation and Design Management, if you are interested in leading creative projects and developing new products or services. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers a Bachelor of Design that explores innovation in the context of visual communication, digital design, and creative processes, giving you the tools to manage design projects and foster a culture of innovation within organisations.

Postgraduate Studies and Specialisation

Master’s in Innovation and Strategic Management: A master’s degree in Innovation and Strategic Management provides advanced training in developing and implementing innovation strategies, managing change, and fostering a culture of creativity. Murdoch University offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation. This programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing you for leadership roles where you can drive innovation initiatives across various sectors.

Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking or Innovation Management: For a more targeted approach, consider a Graduate Certificate in Design Thinking or Innovation Management from institutions like Edith Cowan University (ECU). These programmes focus on creative problem-solving, customer-centred design, and agile project management, equipping you with the skills to lead innovative projects and implement change effectively.

But wait, there’s more! Did you know that you can also mix and match different degrees or even combine university study with other types of learning? Yep, that’s right! You could explore interdisciplinary studies, where you dive into multiple subjects like business, design, and technology all at once. This can give you a supercharged skill set and make you stand out in the crowd. Imagine being a whiz at both coding and creativity – talk about a powerhouse!

During your studies, you’ll learn a whole bunch of cool stuff that’ll set you up for success as an Innovation Manager. You’ll dive deep into topics like design thinking, project management, and market analysis. You’ll sharpen your problem-solving skills, learn how to lead teams, and even get hands-on experience with real-world projects. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the world of innovation before you even step foot into your dream job!

Now, let’s talk about work experience – the secret sauce that’ll take your career as an Innovation Manager to the next level! Sure, getting that fancy degree is important, but nothing beats rolling up your sleeves and diving headfirst into the world of innovation. 

You could snag internships at cool companies, join innovation labs or startups, or even start your own passion projects. Every bit of experience you gain will be like adding fuel to the fire of your creativity and ambition!

Internships with Innovative Companies or Startups: Gain practical experience by interning with companies known for their innovative culture, such as Woodside Energy or RAC WA, or startups within innovation hubs like CORE Innovation Hub in Perth. These internships provide exposure to real-world innovation projects, product development, and strategic planning, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge to practical challenges.

Collaborate with Incubators or Innovation Labs: Participate in innovation programs or incubators, such as those offered by Plus Eight or Spacecubed in Western Australia, to work on collaborative projects, develop entrepreneurial skills, and network with other innovators and industry leaders.

But hey, university isn’t the only path to becoming an Innovation Manager. Nope, not by a long shot! If the traditional route isn’t your cup of tea, fear not! There are other awesome alternatives out there. Ever heard of micro-learning? It’s like bite-sized chunks of knowledge that you can gobble up at your own pace, often online and sometimes even for free! And then there’s on-the-job experience or training, where you learn the ropes while actually working in the field. It’s like learning to swim by diving straight into the deep end – exhilarating and oh-so-rewarding!

Certifications in Innovation and Product Management: Gain industry-recognised certifications in areas such as Innovation Management, Product Development, or Agile Methodologies through organisations like TAFE WA. These courses provide practical skills in leading creative teams, managing product life cycles, and developing strategic innovation plans, preparing you for dynamic roles in various sectors.

Workshops on Digital Transformation and Innovation Strategy: Attend workshops or short courses offered by institutions like the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) or the Design Innovation Research Centre to learn about the latest tools, methodologies, and strategies for driving digital transformation and fostering innovation in businesses.

Join Innovation Networks and Industry Groups: Connect with networks like Innovation Central Perth or the Australian Institute of Innovation Managers (AIIM) to stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and job opportunities in the field of innovation management.

Attend Innovation Conferences and Seminars: Participate in events such as the West Tech Fest or The Business of Innovation Forum to learn from thought leaders, discover new technologies, and network with professionals who are at the forefront of innovation.

Alright, let’s talk about career opportunities! As an Innovation Manager, the world is your oyster, and there are opportunities aplenty waiting for you to seize them. In Western Australia, you could dive into the booming mining and resources sector, where innovation is driving new discoveries and technologies. Over in the rest of Australia, industries like healthcare, finance, and renewable energy are crying out for innovative minds like yours to shake things up. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not spread your wings and explore opportunities in the rest of the world? From Silicon Valley to Singapore, there’s no shortage of places where your creativity and ingenuity can shine bright!