Richard Harriman

Senior Fellow in Social Innovation

Rick is Senior Fellow at Synecticsworld, Inc. Prior to assuming his current role he was CEO and Managing Partner for several decades. Founded in 1960, Synectics has been an international pioneer in operationalizing creativity, originally drawing on experiences of the founders in the Invention Design Group of Arthur D. Little. Prior to joining Synectics, Rick was in marketing management and new product development at General Foods. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.

Rick holds a US patent. He co-wrote Creativity, Inc.: Building an Inventive Organization published by The Harvard Business School Press. The Best Practices Institute endorses Creativity, Inc. for its attention to results and return on investment for creativity and innovation programs. He is also the author of articles and book chapters on creativity in business.

The Fellow position suits Rick well as he is also an Innovation Fellow in the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University. Currently he co-teaches a course there in Innovation in Science and Technology.

Collaborating with Babson’s Vice-Provost for International and Multicultural Education and leaders in the Social Innovation Lab, Rick is working to develop a base in Tanzania for Babson students to introduce entrepreneurial thought and action through the Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy. As of June 2015, three teams of Babson students have taught this program there.

This team is exploring establishment of a Babson Entrepreneurship Center where Babson graduates will work in Tanzania to promote and catalyze entrepreneurial action throughout this country of great need and limitless opportunity.

Outside of work Rick is actively involved in several community organizations including The Cambridge Club, which focuses on the civic wellbeing of the City of Cambridge. He serves as the Chair of the Board of The Cambridge Community Foundation. For diversion Rick enjoys cooking, skiing, contemporary art and home renovation.