Strategic Innovation Lead

i2cat Foundation is looking for a Strategic Innovation Lead to join our Research & Innovation Policy and Strategy area (RISE). This area works in close collaboration with the C-level of i2CAT.

This strategic area is responsible for contributing to the definition of the long-term positioning of i2CAT in the research and innovation arena to sustain its growth and expansion and maximize its positive impact and return in society and economy.

The current team of RISE, formed by 6 people, is mainly focused on research programs and strategy. We plan to expand and intensify our strategic activity on the innovation domain, taking a closer look into innovation programmes, such as Digital Europe. This will be the main role of the new person.

Also, the person will take strategic roles in active projects which have a strategic interest for i2CAT and will define our strategic positioning on innovation programmes at both European and National levels. In particular, the person will become the main strategic mastermind behind the European Digital Innovation Hubs and European projects such as 5GMED.

While the position does not imply carrying out technical activities, passion for technology and a reasonably good understanding of all the digital technologies developed by i2CAT is necessary. The person will interact with researchers from all areas of i2CAT to understand their roadmaps and contribute to defining the long-term objectives of the areas ensuring good alignment with European and National policies and programmes. The person will also act as interface with the Project Management Office of i2CAT for the strategic projects under his/her supervision.

Given the size of the team, we will need that this person also takes the responsibility of managing the operational tasks of the area; ensuring that all knowledge exchange platforms are well-organized and updated.

Among its main tasks, the candidate will have to:

• As a member of RISE, contribute to the alignment of the national and European strategy for i2CAT.
• Coordinate and manage strategic R&I projects for i2CAT.
• Identify funding opportunities in Europe/Spain/Catalonia.
• Provide expertise and advice to i2CAT related to the different funding opportunities, with main focus on innovation programmes.
• Represent i2CAT in strategic alliances and relevant national fora.
• Contact with relevant ministries and public agencies.
• Interact (and manage if needed) with research and innovation initiatives and/or groups related to strategic areas relevant for i2CAT.
• Use your/our contact network to facilitate the incorporation of i2CAT in research consortiums.

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation center that promotes mission-driven R&D activities on advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. More than 15 years of international research define our expertise in the fields of 5G, IoT, VR, and Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and Digital Social Innovation. The center partners with companies, public administration, academia, and end-users to leverage this knowledge in order to meet real social and business challenges.

The greatest value of i2CAT is the talent of the people who make up our human team. We enjoy a team of people from more than 13 different nationalities and work every day to create and foster a work environment where we all feel comfortable creating, innovating and growing.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage! www.i2cat.net

What will you enjoy?

• Work from our offices or from home, whichever works best for you. We ask for two days in person at the office to coordinate with the rest of the team.
• This is a full-time vacancy
• We have a flexible work schedule respecting your work-life balance
• Reduced working hours on Fridays and in July and August
• Fix + variable salary
• Optional benefits: Travel pass, restaurant vouchers, nursery services support, medical insurance
• Annual leave of 27 working days
• We have fruit in the office to promote a healthy lifestyle
• If you are interested, you can participate in events of your sector.
• You will work with a laptop. You can choose your operative system, Mac, Linux or Windows.
• Company social and team-building events (virtual & in-person)
• You can develop your own and personal training programme with our support
• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development

Where will you do it?

At i2CAT we already have an established ‘work-from-home’ policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We expect that you attend the office two days per week: one to stay connected with your team and another one to engage with other colleagues

If you decide to come to the office, we are located in Zona Universitària, next to the Campus Nord of the UPC, within a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. It is a very well-connected area (metro, tram, bus) with bars and restaurants around.

Our offices are designed with an open-office concept where everything is light and transparency. We have a variety of workspaces so that you don't have to be at the same table all day.

i2CAT is an organization committed to equal opportunities. That is why we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore explicitly encourage female candidates to apply.

I2CAT is an organization committed to creating an environment where we celebrate diversity, and where we provide the dedicated support that our employees need, regardless of their disability.

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