💼 PMI SF Bay Area and TEMS - SCV Joint Expert Session - Innovation and Research for Impact in the Era of AI • June 2026

💡 Event Description

Innovation and research are both essential to business success — yet they are not the same. In the era of AI, organizations are facing increasing pressure to move beyond experimentation and deliver meaningful, real-world outcomes. But where should leaders focus their energy to create sustainable innovation and measurable impact?

Join PMI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and the IEEE Technology & Engineering Management Society (TEMS), Silicon Valley Chapter, for a joint virtual Expert Session featuring Dr. Sudeendra Koushik, a global innovation leader, inventor, and strategist.

This session will explore the relationship between innovation, research, AI-driven transformation, and organizational execution. Drawing from decades of experience across technology, engineering, business strategy, and innovation leadership, Dr. Koushik will share insights into how organizations can bridge ideas and implementation while navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Whether you are a project manager, product leader, engineer, strategist, researcher, or business professional, this conversation will offer practical perspectives on driving innovation that creates lasting value.

💡 Key Discussion Topics

• The difference between innovation and research
• Innovation strategy in the age of AI
• Turning research into measurable business outcomes
• Building cultures that support innovation and experimentation
• The role of leadership in driving innovation initiatives
• Balancing creativity, execution, and organizational priorities
• Real-world lessons from global technology and innovation environments

🎯 Learning Objectives

• Differentiate between research-driven work and innovation-focused execution
• Understand how AI is reshaping innovation strategy across industries
• Explore approaches for translating ideas into real-world impact
• Identify leadership practices that foster sustainable innovation cultures
• Examine the intersection of technology, business strategy, and execution
• Gain practical insights from real-world innovation and product environments

🗓️ Event Agenda

• Welcome & introductions
• Expert Session: Innovation vs. Research in the AI Era — Dr. Sudeendra Koushik
• Audience Q&A
• Closing remarks

🎤 Speaker / Host
Event Host / Moderator
Event Speaker

👤 Host / Moderator Name & Credentials
Dr. Nagaraj, IEEE TEMS Silicon Valley
Krunal Patel, PMI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

🎙️ Speaker Name & Credentials
Dr. Sudeendra Koushik

🚀 Speaker Bio

Speaker LinkedIn
Chief Innovator & Founder at Innovation by Design

Dr. Sudeendra Koushik is a global innovation leader with extensive experience across engineering, product development, strategy, and innovation management. His background includes leadership roles at organizations such as BPL, Philips, NXP, TTK, and Volvo.

He holds a PhD in Innovation and Innovation Talent Management, an MBA in Marketing, and a postgraduate degree in Strategy Management from IIM Kozhikode, along with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication.

Dr. Koushik is the holder of approximately 49 patents and is widely recognized as a TEDx speaker, keynote presenter, cartoonist, humorist, stand-up comedian, and actor across television and cinema. His multidisciplinary perspective brings a unique lens to conversations around innovation, creativity, and leadership in the AI era.