What helps an innovation earn the support, time and investment it needs to reach customers? I explore that question with David Ring, Vice President, Group Innovation at Synthomer.
David’s own experience taught him that meeting a technical brief does not guarantee a product will succeed. One project delivered what had been asked for, yet missed what customers actually needed. That lesson now shapes how he thinks about listening to customers, finding problems they may not voice directly, and making the case for new ideas in language decision-makers understand.
In this episode, of the Innovation Storytellers Show, we talk about the different stories innovation leaders need to tell scientists and senior executives, how outside partners can help companies find ideas and expertise, and why business model innovation belongs in the conversation. David shares his concerns about engineering biology and the possibility that it could create new opportunities for a polymer business.
What helps good ideas move from the lab into the business, and what has helped innovation gain support in your organization? Please share your thoughts.
Name: David Ring
Title: Vice President, Group Innovation
Company: Synthomer
LinkedIn | Website
David Ring is Vice President, Group Innovation at Synthomer, one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-performance polymer solutions. He leads the company’s global innovation strategy, connecting market insights, technology platforms, sustainability ambitions and external partnerships to drive long-term business growth.
With almost two decades of experience in industrial innovation, materials science, and technology leadership, David has built and led global R&D teams across multiple market sectors. His career spans roles at Onyx Scientific, AkzoNobel and Synthomer, where he has successfully translated business strategy into innovation portfolios that deliver measurable commercial value.
As Global Director of Technology for Synthomer’s Consumer Materials business, he led an innovation portfolio projected to generate €77 million in profit and delivered multiple commercially successful technology platforms and product launches. David is particularly passionate about creating innovation systems that connect customers, scientists, entrepreneurs, universities and industry partners.
He has established collaborative programs with UK universities, SMEs and innovation centers, helping organizations identify emerging opportunities, accelerate technology development and bring new ideas to market.
David is recognized for building high-performing teams and creating environments where people can grow and do their best work. He is motivated by the challenge of turning complex problems into practical solutions and by helping organizations build innovation cultures that deliver lasting impact.