Interim innovation management:
expert leadership when you need it most
Access a senior executive specialising in R&D&I management on a temporary basis to fill a critical vacancy, lead a highly complex project, or drive an internal transformation of your innovation processes.
What is interim innovation management?
Unlike a consultant, an interim manager does not advise from the outside but becomes part of your organisation, taking full responsibility for the assigned area or project for an agreed period.
A service tailored to your company’s needs
Large industrial companies
With established R&D&I departments that need to temporarily cover an executive position, manage a highly complex strategic project, or lead a transformation process in their innovation management model.
Industrial SMEs
Companies that need to bring in temporary executive innovation capability, without the cost or commitment of a permanent hire, to make a qualitative leap in their R&D&I process or manage a specific project of particular strategic relevance.
Interim innovation management formats
Two services tailored to your organisation's needs.
Outsourced R&D&I management
Temporary leadership of the innovation function for organisations that need to cover the departure or absence of their R&D&I Director, undergo a significant transformation of their innovation processes, or establish the innovation function from scratch using the 5-40® Methodology. The explicit goal is to leave behind a fully operational innovation process and a team capable of managing it autonomously once the engagement ends.
PMO for major R&D&I projects
Leading the Project Management Office (PMO) for strategically important R&D&I projects that cannot be effectively managed using the company’s existing internal expertise. This format is particularly suited to projects involving a substantial level of complexity or investment and requiring a leader with strong industrial and business acumen to make decisions, manage resources, and ensure that deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
When interim innovation management
adds the most value
Critical vacancy in R&D&I leadership
The unexpected or planned departure of an innovation manager can create a gap that is difficult to fill quickly through permanent hiring. An interim manager ensures operational continuity in the function, safeguards ongoing projects, and facilitates the selection of a permanent replacement without unnecessary urgency or pressure.
Launching or transforming the company’s innovation
When an organisation decides to redefine its existing innovation management system or establish one for the first time, having an experienced R&D&I executive can speed up the process and help avoid costly mistakes.
Managing a strategic R&D&I project
Complex or high-investment R&D&I projects require experienced leaders who may not be available within the company. In such cases, an interim manager with strong technical, business, and strategic judgement can make all the difference when managing multidisciplinary teams, coordinating external partners, and making sound decisions.
Real executive experience in industrial innovation management
The value of an interim manager is measured by their ability to deliver results. That is only possible when the professional has held equivalent positions in similar environments and understands the challenges, timelines and constraints of the function they will lead. Arturo Casado has directed innovation at large international industrial groups for decades and has managed highly complex R&D&I programmes across a wide range of sectors, including chemicals, materials and consumer goods.
His experience in industrial innovation leadership, his 5-40® Methodology and his judgement allow him to operate effectively within the client organisation from day one.
Other innovation management services
Consulting
Implementation of an innovation management system within the organisation through a structured consulting process based on the 5-40® Methodology.
Training
Training programmes for management teams and R&D&I managers on the structured management of innovation in industrial environments.
Executive coaching and mentoring
One-to-one support for executives and R&D&I managers in developing their capabilities as leaders of the innovation process.
Frequently asked questions about interim innovation management
What is interim innovation management and what is it for?
It is the temporary appointment of an external manager to lead the company’s R&D&I function or a specific R&D&I project for a defined period, with clearly established objectives. Unlike a consultant, an interim manager does not simply provide advice but integrates into the organisation to assume the assigned responsibilities with full executive authority. It is an effective solution for filling critical vacancies, leading highly complex strategic projects, or managing internal transformation processes in innovation management.
When is it advisable to engage an interim manager specialised in innovation?
The most common situations are: replacing an unexpected or planned vacancy in the R&D&I manager role, creating or restructuring the R&D&I department, leading transformation processes in the innovation management model, or managing a strategic project of particular complexity or investment volume. In all these cases, interim management allows an organisation to bring in senior executive capability immediately, without the time or cost of a full selection process.
What is the difference between an interim manager and an innovation consultant?
The key difference is the level of integration and responsibility within the organisation. The consultant works from the outside: analysing, recommending and implementing solutions, but executive responsibility remains with the organisation. The interim manager operates from within: they take charge of the area or project, have the authority to make decisions and manage resources, and are directly accountable for results. In practical terms, the interim manager is the one responsible; the consultant is the advisor.
How long does an interim innovation management engagement typically last?
The duration of an interim management engagement is agreed based on the objectives, timeframe and specific needs of the company. As a general guide, engagements typically last between 2 and 6 months.
What functions does an interim manager perform in an R&D&I department?
The functions depend on the scope of the assignment, but typically include: operational leadership of the R&D&I function, managing the project portfolio, coordinating the innovation team, liaising with senior management and the board, managing relationships with external partners and public funding bodies, and defining or implementing the innovation management system, among others. In the case of PMO management, the focus is on the executive leadership of one or several highly complex strategic projects.
How do you select the right interim manager for industrial innovation?
The most relevant criteria are: real executive experience in managing innovation in industrial environments, a demonstrable track record of results in equivalent assignments, and access to a proprietary, proven methodology that delivers value from day one. Technical expertise and the ability to lead highly skilled teams are additional factors that are particularly relevant in the industrial sector.
Is this service suitable for industrial SMEs?
Yes. Interim innovation management is not reserved for large companies. Industrial SMEs can benefit significantly from the expertise of an experienced interim R&D&I manager. It is a fast and efficient way to manage strategic projects or improve the internal innovation structures and processes without taking on the fixed cost of a permanent hire.
Request information on the interim innovation management service
If your organisation requires temporary R&D&I leadership, request an initial consultation to discuss your situation and explore how an interim innovation management service can support your objectives.
For any enquiry related to the 5-40® Methodology or the available services, please use the form below. A response will be provided within 48 hours.