Roland Harwood PhD
About Roland Harwood PhD
Roland Harwood, PhD, serves as the Community Lead at Milestone Systems and has extensive experience in mentoring and leadership roles across various organizations. He has a strong academic background in Physics and Electrical Engineering, and has contributed to numerous initiatives in technology, innovation, and climate action.
Work at Milestone
Roland Harwood serves as the Community Lead at Milestone Systems, a position he has held since 2023. His role involves fostering community engagement and collaboration within the organization, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in the technology sector. Milestone Systems is known for its video management software, and Harwood's expertise aids in enhancing community relations and support.
Education and Expertise
Roland Harwood holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from The University of Manchester, where he studied from 1997 to 2000. He also earned a BSc HONS in Physics from The University of Edinburgh, completing his studies from 1992 to 1996. Additionally, he has completed an Executive Education program at Harvard Business School in 2008. His educational background supports his extensive experience in technology, innovation, and leadership.
Background
Harwood has a diverse professional background that includes roles in mentoring, leadership, and community engagement. He worked as a Mentor at Techstars from 2011 to 2021 and at Carbon13 from 2021 to 2022. He also held the position of Managing Director Europe at IOVIA from 2020 to 2022. His experience spans various sectors, including technology and climate initiatives, highlighting his commitment to innovation and community development.
Achievements
Harwood co-founded 100%Open, an open innovation agency that collaborated with major brands such as LEGO and Unilever. He authored the book 'On The Edge,' which discusses the complexities of a connected world. Additionally, he played a significant role in launching the World Wide Web Foundation alongside Tim Berners-Lee. His contributions extend to community-focused initiatives as a Trustee for the Participatory Cities Foundation.
Current Roles and Initiatives
In addition to his role at Milestone Systems, Harwood is the CEO and Founder of We Are Liminal, established in 2018. He is also a Co-Founder of the Climate Tech Supercluster, which he has been involved with since 2023. Furthermore, he serves as a Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art since 2019. His current positions reflect his ongoing commitment to innovation, education, and climate action.