Andrew Gaule, founder of the Corven Corporate Venturing Network, talks to Peter Nagler, chief innovation officer, and Bernhard Mohr, head of corporate venturing, Evonik Industries
Gaule: What is your role?
Nagler: I head Evonik’s corporate innovation strategy and management department and have the function of chief innovation officer (CIO).
Gaule: What is the scope of your responsibilities – do they include business implementation and technology delivery?
Nagler: As CIO I support value creation through innovation and thus contribute to the ambition of Evonik for profitable and sustainable growth. A lot of the work is centred around culture and processes to establish a corporate-wide spirit of creativity and innovation in which every employee is encouraged to contribute to innovation. Innovation has to be a rewarded and valued activity. It is about continuous learning and change. But I also contribute to the development of an innovation strategy and support the management board in developing a balanced innovation project portfolio. Another important task is people management – attracting the right talent and developing innovation leaders, together with our human resources department. Of course, I also have to drive the development of new methodologies to widen access to new growth opportunities and strive for best practices in innovation management.
To read more of this interview, go to our November magazine PDF.
