Return to the Transferable Skills for PhD Careers Index
Strategic Thinking as a Commercial Innovation Manager in Public Sector
Thinking about developing future economy around and beyond low Earth orbit, not only the existing lines of business and scientific areas must be developed further towards maturation and commercialization but also new areas with a potential to drive commercial activities must be explored. While the former requires strategic thinking in step by step of scientific and technology maturation towards commercialization, the latter requires a different kind of strategic thinking that tests the existing boundary of imagination. Strategic thinking cannot be decoupled from systems level perspective and keen understanding of the complex and dynamic system - both the current state as well as the momentum and direction of the economy/ecosystem development. In my role, as we interface with a wide range of stakeholders and customers (esp. the non-traditional ones!), I enjoy sharpening both strategic thinking skills as well as systems level perspective of the ecosystem we operate in.
- Creativity/innovative thinking
Project Management as a Commercial Innovation Manager in Public Sector
We are the main customer relationship manager thus the project manager managing inherently complex projects that involve many "team members" internally and externally for the success of the projects. At one time, we manage ~50 projects at different stages that require varying level of attention. And we may be developing potential partnership and programs that require different skills. Each project has different requirement, timeline, concerns, issues, etc. and managing them can get out of hand very quickly if you're not organized or being on top of managing them.
- Ability to manage a project
- Managing data and resources
- Planning and organizing projects
- Providing instruction and guidance