Description
Position Title: Global Head - Tech & Innovation Thought Leadership
Who we are
We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That's the "red thread" that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them.
We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity.Â
Global Head, Tech & Innovation
Location: New York, London or Washington DC
Role overview
This is a leadership role within the Economist Enterprise Research & Analytics team. You will shape the editorial strategy and execution of our custom and subscription products across Technology & Innovation, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies (including quantum).
A core part of the role is to help build and steward Economist Enterprise's—and, where relevant, EIU's - authoritative "house view" on the most consequential technology questions facing business leaders, policymakers and wider society. This includes translating complex technological shifts into clear, evidence-based insights on the economy, labour markets, competitiveness and policy choices.
You will also lead and help evolve our Tech & Innovation initiatives (including our AI-focused work), ensuring they generate distinctive thought leadership, high-value client propositions and a visible external presence through events and media.
Key responsibilities
- Set and drive editorial strategy for Technology & Innovation across Economist Enterprise research and content, ensuring consistent quality, rigour and alignment with our editorial and brand standards.
- Develop and steward our "house view" on frontier technology issues, in particular AI's impact on the economy and society (e.g., labour markets, productivity, inequality, firm strategy and competitiveness), working closely with EIU colleagues as appropriate.
- Lead the Tech Frontiers initiative, shaping its intellectual direction, programme pipeline and external profile; ensuring it delivers sustained value for audiences, sponsors and partners over multiple years.
- Lead and develop a senior team of Principals and Content Leads, providing direction, coaching and quality assurance across complex programmes.
- Oversee delivery of sponsored and independent research and content that is high-quality, brand-reinforcing and outcome-oriented, while upholding editorial independence and governance.
- Lead subscription-facing coverage (including forecasting, benchmarking and analysis) that delivers clear value to EIU clients and strengthens our market proposition in Technology & Innovation.
- Shape flagship initiatives and research agendas in Tech & Innovation—ensuring a coherent pipeline of distinctive themes, methodologies and outputs (reports, indices/benchmarks, executive briefings, multimedia).
- Identify and develop strategic themes and propositions, translating emerging technology and policy developments into compelling research programmes and product opportunities.
- Partner with Sales and commercial teams to generate leads, support pitches and win business - bringing subject-matter authority, narrative clarity and client relevance.
- Represent Economist Enterprise externally at high-profile events and forums, including moderating/MCing and media commentary as required.
- Collaborate closely with the Events team to shape programming for major flagship events and bespoke client events related to Technology & Innovation.
Priority topic areas
You will help define and evolve our coverage, but expected areas include:
Artificial intelligence and the economy
- AI and the labour market (job creation/displacement, skills transitions, wage polarisation, workforce strategy)
- Productivity, growth and competitiveness (firm-level adoption, diffusion, barriers to scaling)
- AI governance and "steering towards good" (safety, accountability, transparency, auditability, standards and regulation)
- Geopolitics of AI (industrial policy, chips and compute, supply chains, national competitiveness)
- Trust, information integrity and the social impacts of AI (mis/disinformation, public services, education)
Frontier and "exponential" technologies
- Quantum technologies (computing, communications, sensing; sectoral implications; timelines and constraints)
- Biotechnology and bio-innovation (health, synthetic biology, biomanufacturing; governance and ethics)
- Space and the commercial space economy (satellites, launch, earth observation, space infrastructure; security and sustainability)
- Advanced manufacturing and robotics (automation, industrial AI, reshoring, resilience)
- Next-generation connectivity and infrastructure (5G/6G, edge/cloud, cybersecurity)
- Energy- and climate-adjacent innovation (grid digitalisation, batteries, clean industrial tech)
What we are looking for
- Senior leader with outstanding editorial judgement and deep subject-matter expertise in Technology & Innovation, particularly AI and its economic, labour market and policy implications (quantum expertise a strong plus).
- 15+ years' experience covering Technology & Innovation as a journalist, economist, researcher or consultant, with exceptional writing, commissioning and communication skills.
- Proven ability to turn complex technical developments into clear, decision-useful insights for senior business and policy audiences.
- Strong track record of leading senior teams and delivering high-quality programmes at pace, with attention to rigour, narrative and client value.
- Demonstrable commercial experience, including product development, business development and lead generation, and strong partnering capability with sales teams.
- Deep networks across business, policymaking, academia and civil society, leveraged ethically for strategic and commercial impact.
- Proven experience in public-facing leadership -moderating, presenting and providing commentary in high-profile settings with senior stakeholders (including C-suite leaders and world-leading experts).
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Working Arrangements
The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.Â
AI usage for your application
We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.
What we offer
Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.
You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.
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