IRI’s Professional Education Programs

IRI provides a number of Professional Education Programs for R&D executives that enhance the effectiveness of innovation across all levels of management.   Participants benefit from valuable networking among technology management leaders across industry.  Programs are offered on a variety of relevant topics.

Six Sigma & Design for Six Sigma in R&D Workshop

The Six Sigma Program is offered exclusively to R&D leaders and practitioners using or considering Six Sigma, Design for Six Sigma, or Lean programs within their organizations.  The Workshop is organized for both the Six Sigma beginner and seasoned Black Belts.

Tutorials acquaint novice participants with basic vocabulary and perspective on the tutorials’ topic areas, and give expert participants an opportunity for more intensive, shared learning.   Plenary Sessions and Poster Sessions give participants an opportunity to explore new ideas and techniques. Break-out Sessions allow participants resolve many of the questions that arise during the workshop.

Shaping Innovation Leaders

One of IRI’s most highly acclaimed programs, Shaping Innovation Leaders is a rigorous 8-day executive development program offered in partnership with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. This unique program, designed through consultation with IRI members, is specifically tailored for promising mid-level managers in research, development and engineering. The program equips participants with superior business skills to improve their company’s competitive edge.

Technology Management Workshops

These workshops are designed for mid-level R&D managers to meet for a day and a half to study an important, work-related issue of common interest. The format of the workshop is a mix of lecture and problem-solving sessions. Led by facilitators with excellent experience on the topic, the group will identify benefits, problems and best practices by discussing situations from their work experience, in addition to hearing presentations on the topic by the facilitator.

China Forum

This Forum is an opportunity for leaders of R&D operations in China, as well as those expanding operations to China, to exchange experiences, best practices and to learn from experts.

The program is structured to enhance participation by Forum attendees and to allow for the development of ad hoc alliances. Sessions are led by expert practitioners and leaders of R&D activities in China, giving attendees valuable information needed for R&D operational effectiveness in a global environment.

IMS is a team-based executive development program that prepares senior technical and middle managers for a Masters Certificate in Innovation Management. Curriculum includes specialized tracks in three major areas of innovation: product, process and service. The IMS is produced in partnership with Center for Innovation Management Studies (CIMS) at North Carolina State University’s College of Management.