Published on March 02, 2021
Professions in technology transfer: Innovation Manager
These questions were already on our minds last month when Dr. Jens Fahrenberg, Head of Innovation and Relations Management (IRM), gave us his answers. In today's edition of this blog series, we talk to Dr. Aude Pélisson-Schecker, Innovation Manager for Energy at KIT.
How does one become an innovation manager? How did you come to this profession?
Aude Pélisson-Schecker: There are several ways to become an innovation manager: I come from the research side. But you can also study business administration, industrial engineering or innovation management. I did my doctorate in applied physics, and during that time I already noticed that there is a gap between research and industry. The two fields have different interests that are not easy to reconcile.
I only got to know about technology transfer after my doctorate, when I worked as a project manager for European-funded projects. In this context, I conducted workshops with academic and industrial partners, among other things, in order to shape the subsequent exploitation of project results. This is how I gradually came to the professional field of innovation management.
Why did you choose a career in TT?
Aude Pélisson-Schecker: As I said, I came to technology transfer by chance, but then made a conscious decision to stay. Above all, I like the contact with people, I like supporting and advising others. I really appreciate working close to so many scientific topics.
„It never gets boring and I learn something new every day. I also think that I can make a difference with my job and that is also meaningful, especially in the context of the energy transition and the climate crisis.“
Dr. Aude Pélisson-Schecker
What are the requirements of the job? What should you bring to the table?
Aude Pélisson-Schecker: A general scientific or technical education and a fundamental affinity for technical topics are important qualifications. Previous knowledge of the innovation process in research and industry is also advantageous. In addition, communication and teamwork skills make up a very large part of the job. In addition, moderation skills, empathy and translation skills between business and science are essential, as both sides sometimes simply think and communicate differently. Since there is no "pattern F" in technology transfer, initiative and creativity are also important soft skills for an innovation manager.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Aude Pélisson-Schecker: I read different newsletters every morning, mainly to see what's going on in the energy market across Germany, but also internationally. Then, depending on what the priority of the day is, there are various tasks: For example, the evaluation of new invention disclosures or the re-evaluation of technologies for which patents have already been filed. Here, we check on a recurring basis whether and where it makes sense to maintain an IP right.
I regularly consult with the scientists to see how mature their technology is at the moment and to consider together how the exploitation of the technology can be taken forward. I usually do patent and market analyses for this purpose as a basis for due decisions regarding our patent portfolio, as well as to identify and approach new potential industrial partners. At KIT, I estimate that there are about 150 to 200 patent families still in force and related to energy topics, so I have to prioritize a bit with the scope. The dual nature of my work at both IRM and KIT's Center for Energy helps me a lot in keeping track.
I also spend a lot of time networking - at congresses, trade fairs, and on LinkedIn, currently mainly online due to Corona. Finally, documenting key findings is also a big part of my day, so that the agglomerated knowledge is not lost and colleagues can benefit from it.
Why does KIT need an innovation manager?
Aude Pélisson-Schecker: One mission of KIT is to build bridges between knowledge and application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the conservation of our natural resources through innovation. To fulfill this mission, an exchange between science, industry, and society is necessary. This is precisely where my work lies: in addition to promoting the transfer of technologies to industry in order to generate financial returns for research, I try to contribute to the culture of innovation, for example by raising awareness among young scientists about innovation.
I remember when I was a PhD student, I had no sense of innovation and mostly other priorities. I can put myself in that role quite well. This is where the advisory support of scientists by innovation managers is particularly important, so that researchers can continue to concentrate on their core tasks in research and teaching without losing sight of the topic of innovation and the exploitation of the technologies developed - or even so that they themselves become enthusiastic about it and actively participate!
What do you like about your job?
Aude Pélisson-Schecker: Above all, the variety of research topics and working in such an interdisciplinary team. That motivates me extremely. And the internationality as well: I'm French and I'm used to speaking three different languages (German, English and French) every day. Last but not least, the creative freedom. Many good reasons why I have been supporting innovation and technology transfer for 10 years now, and I am still happy to be part of it!
The interview was conducted by Marie Simon.
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