Purpose-driven Innovation Leadership for Sustainable Development presents invaluable insights into how leaders can balance competing innovation demands. The book reports on research from an in-depth case study, which reveals the importance of developing highly adaptative and innovative responses through periods of rapid growth – while simultaneously ensuring organisational stability grounded in a clear core purpose. ‘Paradox’ theory is introduced as a constructive theoretical lens for exploring these complexities of leadership sensemaking in innovation contexts. The findings demonstrate how to incorporate both perspectives to establish a robust innovation culture.

This book aims to equip readers with evidence-based principles that can be readily applied in practice. The qualitative methodology, which includes case studies and interviews conducted with global innovation leaders, uncovers powerful strategies from relevant real-world experiences. Targeted ‘Reflection and Action’ questions are also included to guide implementation.

Purpose-driven Innovation Leadership for Sustainable Development will support researchers, educators, and students in the higher education sector who would like to investigate contemporary innovation leadership principles and practices. The book will also interest business leaders hoping to access rigorous research studies on the topic presented in an effective actionable format.

Gaia Grant is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Sydney Business School and the Executive Director of Tirian International Consultancy. In her research, Gaia has focused on how leaders can create a culture that supports sustainable and responsible innovation – along with exploring creative thinking and innovative problem-solving strategies to deal with wicked problems. Gaia has facilitated practical innovation solutions for a range of organisations globally, from Fortune 500 companies to not-for-profits, utilising the unique ‘Innovative Change Leader Inventory’ (iCLi) and ‘Dynamic Polar Positioning’ (DPoP) tools she has developed from her research.