University News Last updated 15 September 2010
Birmingham City University welcomes prominent Professor of Business Innovation, Roberto Verganti, based at Politecnico di Milano and Visiting Professor at the Copenhagen Business School, to deliver the first in a new series of ‘Design Built-In’ visiting lectures.
In conjunction with the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Aston University, the lecture will take place on the 20th September from 3-5pm at the Sumpner Lecture Theatre, 6th Floor, Main Building, Aston University.
Professor Verganti will talk about the challenges of ‘Developing our Design DNA’, and the competitive opportunities in setting up a regional design & innovation system by relating it to our local design heritage and DNA, delivering targeted outcomes and creating wealth through radical design innovation. He will explore the meaning of design and how to get people to ‘fall in love with something they never asked for’ as well as the power of re-inventing the emotions and symbols that people buy.
Renowned for his experience and research into the management and practical application of innovation systems with a particular emphasis on design driven innovation, Professor Verganti has used his study of innovation processes and management practices to understand how policies help firms pursue effective strategic growth. He will cover issues such as how policy makers may define research and innovation policies suitable for businesses in their regions and how public research organisations may better interact with firms and commercialize their science and technology. In particular, his research focuses on the performance measurement of research and technology transfer, commercialization of science and technology.
Throughout his career, Professor Verganti has worked with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and with national and regional governments around the world. He regularly lectures internationally; in the UK he was recently invited to present at the The Economist ‘Big ReThink’ Conference as a keynote speaker:
In business, Prof Verganti and his team at PROject Science Consulting have collaborated with a number of international businesses on strategic design and competitiveness.
For further information on the lecture, and to confirm attendance, please contact: Beverley.nielsen@bcu.ac.uk