Building Innovation Capacity Within Global Organizations

AI-enabled corporate innovation and intrapreneurship programs for multinational companies operating in Europe

Prof. Dana T. Redford, PhD
Senior Fellow, UC Berkeley Institute of European Studies
Board Member, American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal

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Working with Multinational Companies on Innovation Challenges

I help organizations build internal innovation capacity through evidence-based programs that combine strategic thinking, AI fluency, and practical application. My work spans traditional capital-intensive sectors—energy, materials, manufacturing, infrastructure—as well as technology and professional services firms navigating transformation.

Digital Transformation & AI Adoption

Strategic AI fluency programs for leadership teams navigating technological change. Focus on organizational readiness, not technical training.

Innovation Culture & Intrapreneurship

Building entrepreneurial capabilities within established organizations. Creating systems and mindsets that enable sustained innovation.

Next-Generation Talent & Capability Development

Building bridges across generational divides and unlocking the strategic potential of emerging talent through evidence-based approaches.

International Expertise, Local Accessibility

I bring world-class credentials and global experience to organizations based in or operating across Europe.

World-Class Credentials

Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley, Advisory Board Member for EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative, Master Trainer for UNDP and UNIDO. I work with leading international organizations on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Evidence-Based Approach

Rigorous research methodology combined with practical wisdom. Published author on entrepreneurial universities and innovation ecosystems. Every program is grounded in evidence, not fads.

Corporate Innovation Specialist

Deep expertise in AI-enabled intrapreneurship, design thinking, systems thinking, and entrepreneurial culture transformation. I understand how large organizations navigate change.

Practical Application

Programs are fully customized to your organizational context. Hands-on, not theoretical. Focused on immediate business impact and measurable outcomes. I have designed and delivered innovation capability programs for capital-intensive and regulated industries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Collaborating with Leading Organizations Globally

EIT
UNDP
UC Berkeley
OECD
European Commission
UNIDO

About

[Professional Photo]

Prof. Dana T. Redford, PhD

I help multinational companies build innovation capacity from within. My work combines world-class expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation with practical AI applications and evidence-based methods—enabling organizations to navigate digital transformation, build intrapreneurial culture, and engage the next generation of talent.

As a Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Institute of European Studies and Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal, I bridge academic research, corporate practice, and policy implementation. Based in Lisbon for over a decade, I bring a unique combination: native English speaker in the Portuguese market, bilingual program delivery (English/Portuguese), and deep networks across American and European business communities.

My approach emphasizes evidence-based methods grounded in both academic research and hands-on implementation across 20+ countries. Whether designing strategic AI workshops for capital-intensive industries, facilitating executive retreats, or developing intrapreneurship programs, I focus on sustainable capability building rather than quick fixes.

Current Leadership Roles

  • Senior Fellow, Institute of European Studies, UC Berkeley
  • Board Member, American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal
  • Advisory Board Member, EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative
  • President & Founder, PEEP (international NGO)

International Experience

  • UNDP/UNIDO Master Trainer (Africa, Middle East, Europe)
  • European Commission Expert Consultant
  • OECD Consultant on Innovation Policy
  • Lead Educator, EIT Innovation Academies
  • Published Author: Entrepreneurial Universities, Innovation Ecosystems

Evidence-Based Innovation That Drives Results

Corporate innovation often fails because it relies on generic frameworks disconnected from organizational reality. I take a different approach: evidence-based programs that are fully customized to your context, grounded in rigorous research, and focused on measurable outcomes.

My methodology draws on academic rigor and practical experience across diverse industries and geographies. I've worked with organizations navigating everything from digital transformation to intrapreneurial culture building—always with a focus on sustainable capability development.

How I Work

1

Discovery & Assessment

Understanding your specific challenges, organizational context, and goals. Identifying existing capabilities and gaps.

2

Custom Design

Tailoring programs to your needs, drawing on proven frameworks while ensuring relevance to your business reality.

3

Delivery & Engagement

Interactive, hands-on learning with real business applications. Cohort-based collaboration and peer learning.

4

Implementation Support

Action planning for immediate impact. Measurement and ROI tracking. Ongoing support options available.

Work With Me

Let's explore how we can work together to build innovation capacity in your organization.

How to Get Started

1. Initial Conversation

Align on challenges and context

  • Understand your strategic priorities
  • Explore organizational context
  • Discuss potential approaches

2. Program Design

Co-designed, context-specific engagement

  • Custom proposal for your needs
  • Clear outcomes and approach
  • Flexible delivery options

3. Delivery & Partnership

Implementation and ongoing advisory support

  • Collaborative implementation
  • Measurable impact
  • Ongoing partnership options

Organizations I Serve

I primarily work with mid-to-large multinational companies (500+ employees) across diverse industries.

Technology Companies

Building innovation culture at scale and developing internal entrepreneurial capabilities.

Traditional Industries

Navigating digital and green transitions while maintaining operational excellence.

Financial Services

Adapting to fintech disruption and regulatory change through innovation capacity building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical investment?

Programs are scoped based on objectives, scale, and duration. Most engagements fall within standard executive education benchmarks for customized corporate programs. Contact me for a detailed proposal tailored to your organization's needs.

What is the typical program duration?

Most programs are 1-3 days delivered over several weeks. Executive briefings are 3 hours. Multi-session formats (3-4 sessions over 4-6 weeks) allow for deeper learning and between-session application.

Do you offer virtual programs?

Yes, programs can be delivered in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format depending on your needs and preferences.

Do you work internationally?

Yes, I work across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and beyond. I'm based in Lisbon but travel for engagements globally.

What languages do you deliver programs in?

Programs are delivered in English or Portuguese depending on your needs. Materials can be provided in either language.

Ready to Explore Collaboration?

Let's start a conversation about your organization's innovation challenges and strategic priorities.

Get in Touch

Based in Lisbon, working globally. I welcome conversations about innovation challenges facing multinational organizations operating in Europe and beyond.

Download One-Pager

A concise overview of my work, credentials, and approach—useful for internal circulation and initial discussions.

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Get in Touch

Location Lisbon, Portugal

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Office Rua Professor Lima Bastos, 113
1070-212 Lisboa, Portugal
Serving organizations across
Europe and beyond