Manufacturing
Why Mitsubishi Electric is Setting Up a New Innovation Hub
This month, Mitsubishi Electric U.S. is opening a new innovation hub in Boston. What’s the goal? We talk to two leaders…
Advancing AI, Digital Twins, and Predictive Maintenance at $23B Johnson Controls
We talk with VP Tyler Smith to get his advice on driving innovation in the built environment.
Inside Look: Milwaukee Tool’s IoT Strategy
Milwaukee Tool, a trusted name in construction for over a century, entered the digital space in 2015 with its One-Key line of connected tools and apps for managing, monitoring, and securing equipment. Andy Lambert, VP of Digital Product, discusses the challenges of integrating software into a hardware company, how technology is reshaping construction, and the focus on metrics that prioritize customer efficiency and safety.
Making the Business Case for Compostable Bioplastics
Tthe shift toward compostable and bio-based solutions is already underway, writes Bob Meers, CEO of Better for All. Those who fail to adapt risk losing relevance and market share in an increasingly eco-conscious world. Read more…
Linking Innovation, Corporate VC, and M&A at Allegion
Allegion reshaped its innovation ecosystem by emphasizing deep internal engagement—from rapid prototyping in its Pin & Tumbler studio to a part-time corporate venture structure. We speak with Robert Martens, Allegion’s chief innovation and design officer and president of Allegion Ventures, about how this approach fuels successful ventures, keeps employees invested, and aligns innovation with executive priorities.
At Hearth & Home Technologies, Exploring Where AI and the Smart Home Intersect
We talked to Hearth & Home Technologies, manufacturer and supplier of fireplaces and stoves, about AI and innovation for our research initiative, “How AI is Influencing Corporate Innovation in 2024.”
Electrolux on Fostering Cross-Functional Collaborations and Using Data for Better Alignment
Pamela Everett, Product Planning and Innovation Manager for home appliance manufacturer Electrolux, shares her thoughts on how data can help with alignment; gives insights on how staying close to a project after the handoff can yield better results, and more.
Member Spotlight: Dan Bull, Rockwell Automation
As part of our member spotlight series, Dan Bull, Innovation Program Lead at Rockwell Automation, shares how he transitioned from roles in sales to innovation; gives insights on his biggest learnings from innovation; and gives advice for those new to innovation.
How W.L. Gore Looks to Partnerships, R&D, and Acquisitions to Accelerate Progress
The privately-held company’s Chief Technology Officer, Greg Hannon, talks about metrics, AI, and healthcare as a growth industry.
How 3M Reorganized R&D — and How the Company Tracks R&D Impact
In early 2020, 3M decentralized its operating model to give the presidents of its four business groups more autonomy over R&D. We talk to SVP Cordell Hardy about how it started, and how it’s going.
Member Spotlight: Pascale Wautelet, Avery Dennison
Pascale Wautelet is Vice President of Global R&D for Label and Graphic Materials at Avery Dennison Corporation. We spoke with Pascale as part of our IL Member Spotlight series.
How Manufacturer Leviton Found Opportunities to Innovate Amidst the Pandemic
During the pandemic, sessions where engineers would sit down on-site with key customers and better understand their use cases for Leviton’s products had to change. Here’s how the lighting and wiring giant addressed that challenge.
How W.L. Gore Stays Agile by Celebrating Failure
In a recent interview with InnoLead, Linda Elkins, Head of W.L. Gore’s Innovation Center in Silicon Valley, shares insights on how she prioritizes innovation opportunities.
Why Shelf Space is One of the Most Important Metrics at Rust-Oleum
Bedri Erdem, VP of R&D and Corporate Quality at Rust-Oleum, shares insights on why shelf space is such an important metric in his company, why it sometimes causes challenges within the organization, and why it makes a good rule of thumb for killing projects.
Bosch VP: Create a ‘Diverse Funnel’ of Experiments
Uwe Kirschner of Bosch Innovation Consulting shared his team’s biggest accomplishments from 2020, as well as advice he wished he knew sooner…
Inside the Innovation Pipeline at Fortune Brands
Moises Noreña, VP of Innovation at Fortune Brands, shares insights on the metrics that his team uses to gauge innovation. He also discusses overcoming challenges in identifying and reporting the right metrics…
Member Spotlight: Jeremy Tole, Azbil Corporation
Jeremy Tole discusses his team’s biggest accomplishment and best practices for working at an outpost across the ocean from headquarters.
Three Services Bridgestone is Testing to Drive the Future of Car Maintenance
While car companies are always releasing new models, the way our vehicles get serviced has largely remained the same. But Bridgestone is working on several high-potential projects to modernize car maintenance.
Trek Exec on Tackling a Bike Shortage and Early R&D
Chad Manuell, Director of Engineering at Trek Bicycle, discusses the surge in demand for bikes and how his team approaches early innovation.




























