Senior Expert - Tech & Innovation Thought Leadership

Senior Expert - Tech & Innovation Thought Leadership Position in Economist Impact, a premier think‑tank within The Economist Group, focused on government, business and academic audiences. The Senior Expert leads high‑quality content creation, drives editorial direction, and manages research teams, projects and key client relationships. Role Overview Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think‑tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. The Policy & Insights team uses qualitative and quantitative research to support the marketing and communications objectives of businesses, governments and international organisations. The Senior Expert ensures editorial quality, oversees multiple research projects, and serves as the primary point of contact for funders and clients. Based in New York, with London also considered, the role reports to the Global Head, Tech & Innovation and has a strong global mandate. Project Execution Serve as the Senior Expert for sponsored thought‑leadership programmes aligned with Tech & Innovation, focusing on global themes such as AI, frontier technologies and innovation policy. Contribute to programmes in other expertise areas as needed. Design and develop programmes and oversee the production of reports, briefing papers, articles and infographics. Lead and leverage research teams to produce comprehensive insight and analysis. Provide strong content leadership and set intellectual direction ensuring outputs are analytically rigorous and editorially sharp. Write and communicate in clear, jargon‑free prose. Direct external contributors and edit content to meet quality standards for clients. Manage multiple research projects and client relationships simultaneously. Combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies to deliver high‑quality content. Conduct expert interviews to inform and refine analysis. Take responsibility for final results, quality, and client satisfaction, working with Impact Partnership Leads. Present interim and final project deliverables to clients. Subject‑Matter Expertise Act as an expertise lead on core thematic areas within Tech & Innovation. Identify relevant themes, debates and policy developments for distinctive thought leadership. Produce compelling, editorial‑led content in multiple formats. Moderate and present research at external, high‑profile events. Develop and articulate Economist Impact’s perspective on major technology questions. Collaborate closely with the Global Head and other colleagues across the Group. Business Development Support business development through idea and proposal generation on Tech & Innovation opportunities. Partner with commercial colleagues to shape client propositions and pitches. Build and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders to support renewal and development. Contribute to proposal work as a senior content lead without direct revenue targets. Management / Capacity Building Coach, train and mentor team members on career and personal development. Secure valuable input by working with other parts of the Group on research projects. Manage Managers, Senior Analysts and Analysts, overseeing project resourcing and career development. Provide day‑to‑day direction and quality assurance; raise strategic decisions to the Global Head as needed. Priority Topic Areas (Indicative) Artificial intelligence and the economy AI and the labour market, job creation and displacement, skills transitions, wage polarisation and workforce strategy. Productivity, growth and competitiveness, firm‑level adoption, diffusion and barriers to scaling. AI governance, safety, accountability, transparency, auditability, standards and regulation. Geopolitics of AI, including industrial policy, chips and compute, supply chains and national competitiveness. Trust, information integrity and social impacts, including misinformation, public services and education. Frontier and exponential technologies Quantum technologies (computing, communications, sensing, sectoral implications and timelines). Biotechnology and bio‑innovation (health, synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, governance and ethics). Space and the commercial space economy (satellites, launch, earth observation, infrastructure, security and sustainability). Advanced manufacturing and robotics (automation, industrial AI, reshoring and resilience). Next‑generation connectivity and infrastructure (5G/6G, edge/cloud, cybersecurity). Energy‑ and climate‑adjacent innovation (grid digitalisation, batteries and clean industrial technologies). Policy, business and innovation systems Innovation policy and industrial strategy. Technology adoption and diffusion across sectors. Competitiveness, resilience and economic transformation. The intersection of technology, regulation, trade and economic security. Public‑private collaboration to accelerate innovation and implementation. The desirable skills, experience and qualifications for this role include Ten years or more of research, consulting or journalism experience, with at least two years in a managerial position. Demonstrated subject‑matter expertise in Tech & Innovation (AI, digital policy, frontier technologies, innovation systems, industrial strategy, technology governance, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, productivity or competitiveness). Strong knowledge of global policy, business and technology dynamics; experience across regions, especially US and international issues. External credibility based on publications, public speaking, media appearances or related profile. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, translating complex analysis into clear, jargon‑free prose. Strong editorial sensibilities and ability to deliver unique, insightful content that resonates with target audiences. Data and policy analysis skills; experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Client management experience; comfort with client interaction and relationship building. Proven ability to motivate and lead project teams and meet deadlines under pressure. Experience in proposal development and business development support. Energy and desire to grow within a highly entrepreneurial team. Working Arrangements Hybrid model with 3+ days office attendance required. Benefits Competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Program counseling, wellness resources, Work From Anywhere program (up to 25 days per year), generous annual and parental leave, dedicated volunteer and moving days, free access to all Economist content (online subscription, apps, podcasts and more). #J-18808-Ljbffr Koitecc Solutions