About
Alexander Manu is a tenured Professor at OCAD University's Faculty of Design and holds adjunct roles at the Rotman School of Management (2007–2019) and Schulich School of Business. A strategic innovation consultant and author, he specializes in strategic foresight, disruption theory, and business design. He co-founded Equilibrant consultancy and serves as Global Innovation Steward at Holofy. His work focuses on integrating disruption into business practices, developing pre-competitive strategies, and fostering imaginative innovation methods.
Education background includes extensive academic and professional training in design and innovation, though specific degrees are not detailed. His research integrates behavioral science, technology, and business strategy, emphasizing the role of imagination in driving transformative change. Over 30 years, he has advised Fortune 500 companies like Motorola, LEGO, and Unilever on future-proofing strategies.
Research interests span strategic foresight frameworks, disruptive business models, subscription economy dynamics, and IoT applications. His 2024 book Transcending Imagination: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Creativity explores AI's impact on creative industries. Recent articles focus on disruption narratives, transformational leadership, and future-proofing methodologies.
Awardees include the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (1994) and leadership roles in international design organizations. He has authored 18 books and over 600 lectures globally. Advisory roles include government bodies in Canada, China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Key contributions include founding the Beal Centre for Strategic Creativity and co-founding Design for the World, an NGO promoting humanitarian design. His work bridges academia, industry, and policy-making through innovative frameworks addressing emerging global challenges.
