Job Description
Join InnovateForward Labs at the forefront of tomorrow's breakthroughs. We're seeking a visionary Futurist Innovation Strategist to architect the next wave of transformative technologies and market trends shaping 2026. This role merges foresight analysis with practical innovation execution, driving our R&D roadmap and strategic partnerships.
As a key member of our leadership team, you'll collaborate with C-suite executives, research labs, and global think tanks to identify emerging paradigms in AI, biotech, and sustainable systems. Your work will directly influence product development cycles, investment decisions, and our market position as a pioneer in future-focused solutions.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement 5-year innovation roadmaps aligned with 2026 technological inflection points
- Lead horizon scanning initiatives to identify disruptive technologies and market shifts
- Design scenario-planning frameworks for high-impact industry transformations
- Facilitate cross-functional workshops to embed future-thinking into product development
- Establish strategic partnerships with academic institutions and emerging tech startups
- Present foresight insights to stakeholders through executive briefings and white papers
- Manage R&D budget allocation for prototype development and pilot programs
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Futures Studies, Innovation Management, or related field
- 8+ years experience in strategic planning with Fortune 500 or scale-up tech firms
- Proven track record of translating foresight analysis into commercial innovations
- Expertise in emerging technologies: generative AI, quantum computing, climate tech
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Exceptional presentation skills for executive audiences
- Certification in Strategic Foresight (e.g., CFIP) preferred
- Published thought leadership in innovation or futurism journals