Chief Innovation Officer

I. Position Overview
The Chief Innovation Officer (CInO) is responsible for formulating and driving the company's overall innovation strategy, identifying new technologies, business models, products, and market opportunities, and transforming innovation initiatives into actionable business outcomes.
This role bridges corporate strategy, product, technology, marketing, and operations functions. It establishes systematic innovation management mechanisms to drive new business incubation, technology application, product innovation, and organizational innovation, while simultaneously evaluating the business value, resource requirements, and potential risks of innovation projects.
II. Key Responsibilities
1. Innovation Strategy Formulation
Develop the company's medium- to long-term innovation strategy and innovation roadmap.
Translate corporate strategic goals into specific innovation directions and key projects.
Research industry trends, technological shifts, and emerging business models.
Establish mechanisms for prioritizing innovation projects and allocating resources.
2. New Business and Business Model Innovation
Identify potential new products, services, markets, and business models.
Lead proof-of-concept and early-stage incubation projects for new businesses.
Analyze market size, customer needs, business models, and return on investment (ROI) for innovation projects.
Collaborate with business units to drive innovation projects from the conceptual stage to commercialization.
3. Technology and Product Innovation
Monitor developments in artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies.
Assess the potential impact of new technologies on the company's products, services, and operational models.
Drive the integration of technological innovation with business needs.
Collaborate with the CTO, CPO, and engineering teams to advance innovative product and technology projects.
4. Innovation Project Management
Establish company-wide innovation project management and governance mechanisms.
Oversee project objectives, budgets, timelines, and key milestones.
Implement mechanisms for project evaluation, piloting, review, and exit.
Continuously track the business value and execution progress of innovation projects.
5. Market and Customer Insights
Research customer needs, market changes, and emerging consumer or industry trends.
Establish mechanisms for identifying innovation opportunities and validating them in the market.
Refine innovation directions based on customer feedback and market data.
Drive product and service innovation grounded in customer needs. 6. External Innovation Ecosystem Development
Establish partnerships with startups, technology companies, universities, research institutions, and industry organizations.
Explore opportunities for strategic alliances, technology licensing, joint development, and investment.
Participate in industry innovation forums and research on technology trends.
Build a network of external innovation resources for the company.
7. Innovation Culture and Organizational Development
Foster an organizational culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Establish mechanisms for innovation proposals, evaluation, and incubation.
Encourage employee participation in innovation projects and cross-departmental collaboration.
Cultivate talent in innovation management and cross-functional project leadership.
8. Communication with Executives and the Board
Regularly report on innovation strategies and project progress to the CEO and senior management team.
Provide the Board with analyses of innovation trends and new business opportunities as required.
Report on innovation project investments, resource allocation, and commercialization progress.
Provide analytical support for major innovation investments and strategic decisions.
III. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Product Management, or a related field.
Typically possesses 20+ years of experience in strategy, innovation, product, technology, business development, or related areas.
Typically possesses 8+ years of experience in senior management or leading innovation projects.
Proven track record in successfully implementing new products, new businesses, or business models.
Strong capabilities in strategic planning, business analysis, and project management.
Ability to identify opportunities and define execution paths within highly uncertain environments.
Excellent communication skills with senior management and strong cross-departmental leadership abilities.

Work arrangement
Yes