Dr. Robert C. Wolcott

Dr. Robert C. Wolcott founded the Kellogg Innovation Network (KIN) in 2003, establishing a pivotal platform for thought leadership in innovation. He later served as Clinical Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, from 2010 to 2019.

During his tenure, Dr. Wolcott was recognized with the prestigious Teacher of the Year award from Kellogg’s EMBA program four times, in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017. He earned his BA in European and Chinese History, and his MS and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering & Management Science, all from Northwestern University.

He contributes to advisory boards for Italy’s H-Farm, a prominent technology ecosystem, and the Open Innovation Lab of Norway. A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Wolcott serves on the board of Cure Blindness (Himalayan Cataract Project), an organization that has provided sight restoration to nearly one million people globally. As an active angel investor, he has supported over 20 companies, including crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, digital education leader Kiddom, and transaction security technology firm Magic Cube, alongside ClearCare Online (acquired by Battery Ventures) and EXPO Chicago.

Dr. Wolcott’s insights on technology’s impact on business and society are regularly featured in Forbes, and his work has been published in esteemed publications such as MIT Sloan Management Review, strategy+business, The Harvard Business Review (online), The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. His highly anticipated book, ‘PROXIMITY,’ is slated for release by Columbia University Press in 2024. Through his extensive academic, entrepreneurial, and advisory roles, Dr.

Wolcott continues to guide global corporations and entrepreneurs in strategic foresight and sustainable growth strategies.