Creativity and Innovation: Industry Perspective
This lecture emphasizes the critical role of creativity and innovation in shaping the careers of graduate students-whether they pursue paths in industry, academia, or research.
The speaker discusses real-world examples from various walks of life. The lecture explores different forms of innovation, including accidental breakthroughs, structured innovation processes, and the environmental and institutional support systems that enable innovation to flourish.
Using examples, the speaker highlights the mindset and approach that drive innovation. These examples underscore the idea that creativity and innovation are essential practices for technologists, engineers, and scientists across all organizations and at all levels of any organization.
The speaker illustrates how organizations that embrace both top-down and bottom-up strategies for fostering innovation consistently deliver market-leading products and services.
The session concludes with an open forum, encouraging interactive dialogue and engagement with students/participants.
Bio: Pradheepram (Ram) Ottikkutti is currently part of the research and technology group at Cummins Inc., a global leader in power solutions committed to innovation and advancing technologies that keep the world running.
From 2018 to 2025, Ram served as the chief technical officer for Cummins Group India, following his return to Cummins in 2018. Prior to 2018, he held various leadership roles across several renowned organizations including General Electric, Remy Inc. (formerly a division of General Motors), Cummins Inc., and the Tata Group.
With a career spanning 38 years, Ram has lived in seven countries and led teams across more than fifteen nations on four continents. His leadership experience spans a wide array of functions, including Research & Development, New Technology, Product Development, System Integration, System Controls, Manufacturing, Product Quality, Field Service, and Joint Venture Management.
Ram holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and an MBA in international business.
Ram is deeply passionate about mentoring early and mid-career engineers, promoting STEM education, and facilitating creative thinking workshops. He has been awarded over forty patents, with more than fifteen additional patents filed in 2024 and 2025. His technical publications span key areas such as transportation and mobility, energy systems, Controls, sensors, microgrids, and digital twins.