In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo talks to Andres Rivera Gonzalez, Innovation Portfolio Manager at Aurecon. Andres shares his fascinating journey from pioneering robotics fabrication and 3D printing in architecture to his current role in managing innovation portfolios. With a wealth of experience spanning both physical and digital domains, Andres provides valuable insights into fostering innovation within large organisations, the importance of aligning new ideas with clien...
In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo talks to Andres Rivera Gonzalez, Innovation Portfolio Manager at Aurecon. Andres shares his fascinating journey from pioneering robotics fabrication and 3D printing in architecture to his current role in managing innovation portfolios. With a wealth of experience spanning both physical and digital domains, Andres provides valuable insights into fostering innovation within large organisations, the importance of aligning new ideas with client needs, and the transformative impact of generative AI. Tune in to discover how Andres navigates the ever-evolving landscape of innovation and technology at Aurecon.
Andres, with a background in architecture and design, recounts his journey from researching materials and pioneering robotics fabrication to integrating 3D printing in architecture. He describes his transition from academic research to practical applications, emphasising his role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and its commercial implementation. Currently, Andres manages innovation portfolios at Aurecon, applying his experience across both physical and digital domains.
Andres delves into the challenges and benefits of fostering innovation within a large organisation. He notes two main advantages: the strong emphasis on innovation in company communications and the inherent creativity of engineers. However, he also discusses the challenge of recognising and capturing innovative work that often feels like routine. Andres underscores the importance of internal ideation platforms and dedicated teams to identify and leverage these innovations, while also highlighting the necessity of tailoring solutions to their novelty and context.
The structure of innovation processes at Aurecon is another key topic. Andres explains the need for a balance between flexibility and structure in innovation management. He outlines their three main stages: ideating, creating, and scaling, emphasising the importance of defining clear criteria and deliverables while allowing for flexible execution. Andres highlights the role of digital tools and canvasses in supporting this process, adapting to various types of innovations, including digital products, new designs, and business processes.
Aligning innovation with real customer needs is a crucial aspect of Andres’s approach. He stresses the need to connect new ideas to clear problems or opportunities that add value to clients and ensure commercial viability. Andres highlights the role of the innovation team in focusing on client needs and determining the value of new ideas for both clients and the business. He also discusses how market trends and client demands can significantly impact innovation success, citing examples where initially unpromising ideas, like sustainability and AI, have become central to Aurecon’s strategy.
Finally, Andres reflects on managing innovation across diverse technologies and disciplines. He shares how his role involves connecting ideas and people, even when his technical expertise might be less than that of field specialists. Andres values understanding overarching connections within the business and leveraging collaboration between different teams and geographies. He emphasises that diversity in thought and experience is crucial for driving successful innovation. Additionally, Andres discusses Aurecon's forward-looking approach, highlighting their use of generative AI to enhance productivity, develop client solutions, and integrate new technologies to stay ahead in the industry.
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