What Cleantech Storytelling at Deloitte Can Teach Us About Innovation

In this episode, David Schatsky, a retired Research & Innovation Executive from Deloitte, shares his profound insights on leveraging narrative to champion big ideas and foster widespread adoption of innovative technologies. His experience at Deloitte, designing and leading cutting-edge research programs and creating an acclaimed online course in artificial intelligence, has positioned him as a luminary in translating complex innovations into actionable strategies. David dives into the challenges that often accompany climate tech solutions—ranging from skepticism about climate change to the intricacies of corporate buy-in. He elaborates on the methodology employed by Deloitte's futurists to identify viable commercial opportunities, emphasizing the critical role of open innovation and strategic storytelling in overcoming these hurdles. During our conversation, David discusses his pivotal role in launching a climate tech advisory service at Deloitte. This initiative aimed to fill a crucial gap in professional services, extending beyond basic compliance and reporting to actively facilitate emissions reductions through advanced technologies like carbon capture, energy storage, and sustainable production methods. We explore how David and his team developed a comprehensive taxonomy of climate technologies to aid clients in understanding and navigating this complex field. This taxonomy, covering hundreds of technologies and innovators, serves as a foundational tool for technology scouting, techno-economic analysis, and facilitating partnerships that drive meaningful environmental impact. Tune in to learn how storytelling can not only convey the urgency and feasibility of embracing climate tech but also inspire corporate leaders and innovators to invest in solutions that can shape a sustainable future.