Interview with Lavagnon Ika – Driving Sustainable Innovation

In this interview, Prof. Ika offers a comprehensive view of what sustainable innovation entails. He emphasizes that it involves the creation of new products, processes, and outcomes that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. Lavagnon stresses the importance of innovation not only driving profits but also distributing value equitably among all stakeholders, particularly the most vulnerable populations.

He underscores the role of awareness in fostering a mindset shift towards long-term benefits and value creation from projects, rather than solely focusing on delivery within cost and time constraints. Lavagnon highlights the need for new approaches to project management that prioritize stakeholder value creation and distribution, noting a growing willingness among organizations to adapt and change, driven by the pressing issues of our time such as climate change.

Lavagnon's research focuses on delivering Grand Challenge projects, including those aimed at reducing global poverty and improving transportation infrastructure, which he believes are crucial for sustainable development. He remains optimistic about humanity's ability to overcome challenges, balancing a cautious approach with his belief in the potential for positive change.

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All interviews

These are the book contributors we interviewed to explore what leaders can do to drive and change their organizations through the lens of sustainability and innovation.

You can watch all interviews on the book playlist on Youtube.