Jeff DeGraff

Jeff DeGraff is a Clinical Professor of Management and Organizations at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, with over three decades of academic and advisory experience. He specializes in innovation strategy, leadership, and organizational transformation. His work includes co-founding the Innovatrium Institute and founding the Intellectual Edge Alliance (IEA), which focuses on scalable innovation for mission-driven organizations globally.

Education:

• PhD in Management from University of Wisconsin (1985)
• MA from University of Michigan (1982)
• BS from Western Michigan University (1980)

Research & Expertise: DeGraff’s research spans innovation frameworks like the Innovation Genome and Code, emphasizing constructive conflict in creative processes. His books include The Innovation Code, The Creative Mindset, and Making Stone Soup, which explore leadership, creativity, and organizational change.

Clients & Impact: Advised Fortune 500 firms (Google, Apple, Pfizer) and military organizations (U.S. Air Force, NATO). His work bridges academia and practice, promoting innovation accessibility through frameworks like the Competing Values Framework.

Awards & Recognition: While no specific awards are listed, his extensive media features (TEDMED, PBS, NPR) and book accolades highlight industry impact.

Labs/Teams: Leads the IEA and Innovatrium, collaborating with global institutions to advance innovation capabilities in defense, security, and education sectors.