Jack Barrie
Systems Thinker. Problem Solver. Schmidt-MacArthur Fellow
I am committed to solving the worlds toughest challenges. It is because of this passion that I have had the chance to work for Azuri Technologies, a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, designing solar home systems and building supply chains and business models across east Africa. I have also worked for Mott MacDonald as an engineering consultant designing multi million dollar infrastructure projects in the UK, Africa and Asia.
Moreover, I have an insatiable appetite for learning. This has led me to obtain two first class masters degrees in Environmental Engineering (University of Edinburgh) and Engineering for Sustainable Development (University of Cambridge).
Most importantly, I am most passionate about how we can leverage innovation to help us move towards a more sustainable world. It is because of this that I am currently completing my PhD on the topic of harnessing the power of innovation systems to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
CURRENT RESEARCH
The Circular Economy has been heralded by many as a viable vision to overcome the challenges of rapid population growth, economic stagnation and environmental destruction. Yet, the scale of transition is akin to the industrial revolution and the required timescale is in the order of decades. One of the most promising policy instruments for accelerating such a transition is the formation of ‘protected spaces’ for radical and sustainable niche innovations; a method that the Scottish Government is currently pursuing. Such spaces should not be considered to take the form of an organisational body or administrative platform, but as a ‘societal network of innovation’.
My research aims to understand how best we can harness these networks of innovation to grow strategic circular economy sectors, such as bio-refinery and re-manufacturing, and accelerate a system level transition to a sustainable society.
INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE
My research is highly relevant to industry, government and academia alike.
Due to it's alignment with current Government goals to build a circular economy through increased innovation - my research will help to inform policy makers of key mechanisms required to stimulate such innovation as well as instruments to increase the level of reflexivity of governance.
The output of my research also applies directly to industry as it outlines the msot effective strategies for harnessing the power of innovation networks and utilising open innovation to ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
Finally my research is helping bridge the gap between current governance practice for promoting sustainability transitions and academic literature.
Supervisors: Elsa Joao and Girma Zawdie
I am committed to solving the worlds toughest challenges. It is because of this passion that I have had the chance to work for Azuri Technologies, a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, designing solar home systems and building supply chains and business models across east Africa. I have also worked for Mott MacDonald as an engineering consultant designing multi million dollar infrastructure projects in the UK, Africa and Asia.
Moreover, I have an insatiable appetite for learning. This has led me to obtain two first class masters degrees in Environmental Engineering (University of Edinburgh) and Engineering for Sustainable Development (University of Cambridge).
Most importantly, I am most passionate about how we can leverage innovation to help us move towards a more sustainable world. It is because of this that I am currently completing my PhD on the topic of harnessing the power of innovation systems to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
CURRENT RESEARCH
The Circular Economy has been heralded by many as a viable vision to overcome the challenges of rapid population growth, economic stagnation and environmental destruction. Yet, the scale of transition is akin to the industrial revolution and the required timescale is in the order of decades. One of the most promising policy instruments for accelerating such a transition is the formation of ‘protected spaces’ for radical and sustainable niche innovations; a method that the Scottish Government is currently pursuing. Such spaces should not be considered to take the form of an organisational body or administrative platform, but as a ‘societal network of innovation’.
My research aims to understand how best we can harness these networks of innovation to grow strategic circular economy sectors, such as bio-refinery and re-manufacturing, and accelerate a system level transition to a sustainable society.
INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE
My research is highly relevant to industry, government and academia alike.
Due to it's alignment with current Government goals to build a circular economy through increased innovation - my research will help to inform policy makers of key mechanisms required to stimulate such innovation as well as instruments to increase the level of reflexivity of governance.
The output of my research also applies directly to industry as it outlines the msot effective strategies for harnessing the power of innovation networks and utilising open innovation to ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
Finally my research is helping bridge the gap between current governance practice for promoting sustainability transitions and academic literature.
Supervisors: Elsa Joao and Girma Zawdie
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