Erila Haska — Global Innovation Leader
"Innovation does not happen in isolation.It happens when the right people, systems, and partnerships come together."
Introduction
I've always believed that meaningful change happens when people, ideas, and opportunities connect. Growing up around my family's business introduced me early to entrepreneurship, sales, and the importance of building strong relationships. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a deeper interest in innovation, global collaboration, and initiatives that create real social impact.
My work focuses on innovation management, ecosystem building, and strategic partnerships. I enjoy working at the intersection of academia, startups, corporations, and social initiatives—helping organizations explore new ideas, build collaborative networks, and translate innovation into practical outcomes.
Over the years, I've contributed to global programs, partnerships, and innovation networks across multiple countries. After that a new path brought me to the IXL Center in Boston and the Global Innovation Management Institute, supporting organizations and leaders in strengthening their innovation strategies and global reach.
I actively engage in initiatives and conversations around:
- Innovation Strategy
- Innovation Ecosystems
- Women in Innovation
- Corporate Innovation
- Partnerships Building
- Social Entrepreneurship
I'm always open to collaborations, partnerships, and speaking opportunities that advance innovation and empower people to turn ideas into real-world impact.
Achievements
A track record across networks, mergers, programs, and ecosystems.
Achievements
Leading & Growing Networks: Manages a network of 34 Certified Training Partners across six continents, supporting market growth in innovation management training and consultancy. Manages a global network of 18,000 innovators, providing access to thought leadership, networking, and capability-building tools. Managed a Think Tank every week for 5 years to promote knowledge-sharing in innovation deriving into a 150-speaker bureau.
Leading Mergers & Partnerships: Led the merger with IAOIP, adding 5,000 members, an International Journal on Innovation & Science, a Career Site, and a community management platform to GIMI.
Designing New Programs: Co-designed and launched the Global Innovation Awards, GIMI Impact, Innovation Coach, Innovation Catalyst, and multiple innovation assessment tools.
Growing Revenues: Created new revenue streams, including a membership model, optimized operational systems for partners, and tripled revenues in every position she has held.
Consulting on Innovation Management: Consulted major organizations, including OCP Group (fertilizers, Africa), Petronas (oil & gas, Malaysia), Renault India, Ayala Group (Southeast Asia), Klabin (Brazil), Sunlife Canada, and Royal Caribbean Group (US) — building pipelines of innovation projects, strategies, frameworks, and capabilities.
Government & Public Sector Engagement: Led the Service Innovation Tool for the Government of Qatar, helping audit and improve service delivery. Consulted Sebrae Brasil on a $2M leadership program for 2,000 business leaders.
Corporate Innovation Training: Trained Airbus teams on applying innovation frameworks for aviation, built innovation academies for big corporates such as Petronas, OCPN, etc.
Social Impact & Entrepreneurship: Initiated the first live crowdfunding event in the Western Balkans, created Dua Partners Invest — a matchmaking platform for investors, startups, and consultants — and led capability-building programs for 200+ NGOs and 150+ social enterprises and startups. Planted the first seeds of social entrepreneurship research in the Western Balkans and conducted reports for the European Commission.
Academic & Mentorship Contributions: Taught 1,000+ students in strategic management, mentored 200+ professionals globally, and supported startups, social enterprises, and other women and young people in their career growth.
Led Grant Schemes: Managed grant programs for social enterprises, startups, philanthropy, and youth empowerment. Mentored and trained organizations on funding diversification. Oversaw subgranting for green startups and authored European-level reports on social enterprises, crowdfunding, and fundraising.
Support for Women in Innovation: Taught 1,000+ students in strategic management, mentored 200+ professionals globally, and supported 300+ startups, social enterprises, and other women and young people in their career growth.
Certifications
Executive credentials across innovation, leadership, finance, and impact.
MBA, with executive education at MIT Sloan and Stanford University, complemented by specialist certifications spanning innovation management, negotiation, public speaking, finance, and social impact.
- Leading with an Improved Mindset
- Negotiation for Executives
- Innovation Management Level 1: Innovation Associate
- Innovation Management Level 2: Innovation Professional
- Innovation Management Level 3: Innovation Manager
- Innovation Management Level 4: Innovation Leader
- Public Speaking
- Certified Professional Management Consultant (CPMC)
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Social Impact Analysis
- Nonprofit Fundraising Essentials
- Patents & Copyright
- Technology-Based Innovation
- Finance based programs
Volunteering & Social Causes
Mentorship, advocacy, and movement-building beyond the boardroom.
Member · Innovation Women — largest speakers bureau for women.
Founding Member · The Women in STEM Network — advancing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Aug 2025 – Present).
Mentor for Professional Women Network Milan.
Speaker on gender equality and women's representation in innovation.
Advocate for youth development and innovation-driven social change.
Organized Albania's first live crowdfunding event to support social entrepreneurs.
Contact
Contact me for speaking engagements, panel discussions, consulting opportunities, or to become part of one of my global networks.