INNOVATOR IN RESIDENCE: FUTURIST ENTREPRENEURS & KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR HIRE

An innovator in residence (IIR) is a forward-thinking futurist consulting expert, entrepreneurial consultant and keynote speaker embedded within an organization to drive creative problem-solving, foster new ideas, and accelerate growth. Versus consultants who provide external advice, an innovator in residence works closely with internal teams—typically across departments—to identify opportunities, challenge assumptions, and develop bold solutions to complex challenges.

The job is increasingly popular in corporations, universities, government agencies, museums, and think tanks that want to cultivate a culture of disruption and stay ahead of rapid change.

The job and Purpose

The main aim of an innovator in residence is to stimulate new thinking and help organizations break out of routine approaches. Their work includes:

• Leading brainstorming sessions, design sprints, or innovation labs

• Prototyping new products, services, or processes

• Advising leadership on emerging trends and disruptive technologies

• Collaborating with teams to explore user-centered or design thinking methods

• Acting as a creative catalyst who challenges the status quo

Versus traditional employees, innovator in residence consulting advisors are usually brought in for a fixed term—generally six months to a year—with a clear mandate to inspire and execute disruption initiatives.

Where Innovators in Residence Are Found

• Corporations bring in IIRs to help reimagine products, rethink customer experience, or guide digital transformation.

• Universities host innovator in residence programs to connect academic research with real-world applications or foster entrepreneurial thinking among students.

• Museums and cultural institutions invite innovators to bring new technology or storytelling methods to exhibitions and programming.

• Government agencies may use IIRs to improve public services or explore civic innovation.

Why Organizations Use IIRs

Organizations bring in innovator in residence picks to inject fresh energy, de-risk experimentation, and bridge creative and operational thinking. Their outsider perspective helps uncover hidden opportunities and encourage teams to imagine what’s possible rather than just what’s practical.

The Bottom Line

An innovator in residence has a dynamic, high-impact job—guiding organizations toward fresh ideas and helping them stay competitive in a fast-changing world. Through embedding innovation into day-to-day operations, they turn imagination into actionable results.