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Vakhtang Dekanosidze - SRDM
Vakhtang Dekanosidze - SRDM
Strategic R&D Management

A Transformational Approach to Strategic R&D Leadership

Vakhtang Dekanosidze

Chief Executive Officer, International Insurance Company IRAO , Georgia — Vienna Insurance Group

This programme transformed how I approach innovation — shifting R&D from a support function to a central driver of business value.

1. What inspired you to join this programme, and what did you hope to achieve?

I joined the Strategic R&D Management programme with a clear set of objectives: to accelerate my professional growth, deepen my understanding of R&D strategy as a discipline, and acquire tools that could directly support the development of my business. I was looking for more than theory — I wanted a practical framework that I could apply immediately in a real organisational context.

2. In what ways has the programme shifted your perspective or influenced your approach to work?

The programme fundamentally changed how I think about innovation and strategic decision-making. I began to view R&D not as an isolated function, but as a core driver of business value. It provided me with a more structured lens through which to assess opportunities and allocate resources — an approach I now apply consistently in my day-to-day work.

3. Which aspects of the experience stood out most for you?

Three aspects stood out in particular: the faculty, the content, and the participants. The lecturers brought a rare combination of academic rigour and real-world experience — they did not simply teach frameworks; they challenged us to think differently. The content was current, highly relevant, and well structured. Equally, the calibre of my fellow participants made every discussion genuinely enriching — the diversity of industries and perspectives brought an added depth that no textbook could replicate.

4. Can you describe a moment or insight that particularly resonated with you?

One insight that stayed with me was the idea that strategic R&D is ultimately about making deliberate choices under uncertainty. The discipline lies not in eliminating risk, but in understanding it sufficiently to act with confidence. This reframing has had an immediate and lasting impact on how I lead initiatives within my organisation.

5. Would you recommend this programme to others?

Absolutely, without hesitation. Whether you are seeking to advance your career, drive business growth, or adopt a more rigorous approach to innovation, this programme delivers. It is rare to find a learning experience that is both intellectually stimulating and immediately actionable.