Some view Innovation as an abstract, serendipitous event. We have shown through dedicating our lives to research applied in practice that this is not true. There are more efficient ways to succeed with your innovation projects if only you know what to look for! The below resources will help you get a better understanding of that.
Dr. Alison McMillan
Based in Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Background:
Previously an R&D specialist at Rolls-Royce, Alison is currently an innovation consultant and engineering professor.
Her company, WOT-I Ltd, offers a number of services around the theme of operations and technology innovation, including innovation assessment, capability mapping, expertise and funding searches and innovation techniques and inventing workshops. She is also working for “sweat equity” at a start-up company in the space sector.
She is also a part-time Professor in Aerospace Technology at Wrexham Glyndwr University, working with research students on problems ranging from space applications, MEMS design, inspection techniques, manufacturing processing and machine maintenance management. Her particular research interest is in the mechanics of materials, failure mechanics and the development of improved materials and manufacturing processes.
She previously worked at Rolls-Royce plc, between 1997 and 2011, where she developed capability acquisition plans and lead research programmes. As a result of her motivation, invention coaching and support of the engineers, the business unit was able to double the patent ideas target. She is personally a named inventor on more than 40 Rolls-Royce granted patents.
Area of expertise:
Alison’s two main areas of expertise are around innovation and mechanical engineering.
Innovation
- Intellectual Property portfolio management and development
- Product innovation, invention, ideation techniques
- R&D route mapping and programme management
Mechanical Engineering
- Machine component stress analysis, and design optimization
- New materials, processing and applications: particularly related to composites
- Impact analysis, failure mechanics, dynamics, and non-linear problems
Education:
- Alison holds a PhD from Staffordshire University on the role of vibration in elastic impact, MSc in Applied Mechanics from Cranfield and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from University College London.
- She is also a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and a Chartered Physicist and Fellow of the Institute of Physics.
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