Innovation Strategy Specialist

Trend Research & Growth Opportunity Discovery

● Analyze emerging trends in technology and industry shifts to uncover potential innovation opportunities.

● Conduct market research to identify whitespace, unmet needs, and areas for value creation.

● Propose strategic innovation themes aligned with SmartLabs’ and SmartOSC’s business goals.

● Collaborate with SmartLabs leadership to shape and refine the overall innovation strategy.

● Define short- and long-term innovation priorities and link them to R&D programs, initiatives, or external collaboration opportunities (e.g., open innovation).

● Develop plans and mechanisms to foster the generation of new ideas and mobilize internal resources, ensuring a seamless and continuous innovation pipeline

● Develop evaluation frameworks and criteria to support transparent and effective assessment of internal innovation initiatives across key stages: idea sourcing, screening, validation, and experimentation.

● Coordinate cross-functionally with product, delivery engineering, and business teams to facilitate the implementation of MVPs or proof-of-concepts (PoCs), ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational feasibility.

● Develop frameworks to track progress, risk, and potential impact of innovation initiatives.

● Recommend strategic allocation of resources to the most promising initiatives with long-term business value.

● Develop strategic partnership plans to build a robust R&D and innovation ecosystem, which help identify, evaluate, and engage with external partners (startups, research institutions, universities, innovation hubs, and tech communities), based on strategic fit, complementary capabilities, and co-innovation potential.

● Develop frameworks to prioritize and structure partnerships (e.g., joint development, knowledge exchange, venture collaboration) that can accelerate innovation outcomes and expand the opportunity pipeline.

● Collaborate with HR and internal communications to foster a strong innovation culture and drive internal engagement in co-creation initiatives with external partners.

Knowledge & Experience:

● Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Strategic Management, Economics, Innovation Management, Technology Management, Engineering, or Computer Science (with a strong interest in Strategy and Innovation).

● Minimum 4–6 years of experience in strategy consulting, market/tech research, product development, innovation management, or market-driven R&D.

● Proven experience in trend analysis, market insight generation, and strategic planning focused on innovation-led growth.

● Strong knowledge of innovation models (e.g., disruptive innovation, open innovation, lean innovation, innovation funnel) and strategic tools (e.g., Business Model Canvas, Trend Radar, Foresight Toolkit).

● Prior experience in launching internal innovation initiatives, venture building, or running innovation labs is a strong plus.

● Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to turn complex information into actionable insights.

● Systems thinking and decision-making are based on both internal capabilities and external market signals.

● Cross-functional collaboration and influence without authority.

● Excellent communication and storytelling skills (both verbal and written).

● Professional English proficiency (IELTS > 7.0 or equivalent), especially in business, technology, and research contexts.

At SmartOSC, we offer the best to your values

● Attractive salary package: base salary + performance bonus

● Salary review twice a year

● Flexible working hours

● Premium health care

● Working in one of the largest digital transformation agencies – A professional English environment

● Free English and professional training packages

● Firm’s Certified Qualifications Sponsorship for career development

● Annual company trip inside or outside Vietnam

● Other fun activities: happy hour, quarterly team building, football club, yoga club, swimming club, charity activities, etc.

● Free entertainment parties: Birthday party, Anniversary party, Sum-up Party, Year-End Party, etc.