In order to stay ahead, it’s important that not only do we innovate, we do it better than anyone else.
- John C Taylor, inventor
Thanks to a generous philanthropic donation of £2.5million from Dr John C Taylor OBE, one of the most successful British inventors of the last 50 years, the University of Cambridge is now hiring a Professor of Innovation to inspire the next generation.
The successful applicant will take up the position on 1 October 2017, and applications close on Tuesday (2 May 2017).
The University of Cambridge, building on a tradition as one of the strongest areas in the UK for engineering and invention, will be looking for candidates who have an outstanding research record of international stature in technology and innovation management.
They’ll also need vision, leadership, experience and enthusiasm and will hold a PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
But why was it so important to Dr John C Taylor that the Professorship of Innovation was set up, other than the fact that he graduated from Cambridge in 1959?
He explains, “Too little is discussed these days about business financial freedom and job creation while too much attention is paid to venture capitalist business models, which can leave an inventor with little ownership.
"One of my proudest achievements in business is that I never borrowed a penny from anyone. This is because I always focused on cash flow and used the revenue from manufacturing to fund innovation.
“Innovation is no longer just for the elite in business; it has become the norm.
"In order to stay ahead, it’s important that not only do we innovate, we do it better than anyone else. The United Kingdom has an incredible track record of inventors, engineers and thinkers and we want to build on that.
“It’s essential that those who have great ideas have the skills and support to develop successful business models around them.
"This way, they can develop inventions from prototype to production for the benefit of the creator while generating local employment through manufacturing growth.
“This is the sort of insight that the Professor of Innovation would give to the bright minds of the Department of Engineering, and why it’s so essential that the students have guidance on how to make their business plans work for them.”
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Reproduced courtesy of the University of Cambridge
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