Building a Career in Innovation Management in Indian Corporates

As an executive recruiter with over two decades of experience working closely with India’s top-tier companies, I’ve seen a remarkable rise in demand for professionals in Innovation Management. Roles from Innovation Managers to Chief Innovation Officers are no longer fringe—they’ve become central to growth strategies in post-pandemic India. Companies now view innovation as a strategic priority, not a side function. Sector-wise Breakdown: Innovation Opportunities in 2024–25 1. IT & IT Services Demand: Skyrocketing. Firms like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, as well as global tech captives (Microsoft, Google), are building robust innovation labs. Roles: Innovation Manager, Digital Transformation Lead, Chief Innovation Officer 2. Space & Aerospace Demand: Strong growth driven by ISRO and private players like Skyroot and Agnikul. Roles: Tech Innovation Head, Product Innovation Manager, R&D Liaison 3. Automotive & EV Demand: Massive, fueled by EV innovatio...