Innovating Innovation: Frank Rogalla’s Unique Approach in the Water Sector
Welcome to the Exec Exchange, a podcast where leaders from the water sector share stories that inspire, inform, and educate others within the industry. In our latest episode, host Piers Clark engages in a dynamic conversation with Frank Rogalla, Head of Innovation at Aqualia. This particular session delves deeply into the challenges and triumphs of running an innovation department within a modern water utility. In this blog post, we explore that conversation, drawing insights into Rogalla’s unique approach to innovation.
A Journey Through Water: A Career of Innovation
Frank Rogalla embarked on his water-centric journey at a young age as a swimming champion. Starting with a robust foundation in environmental engineering in Germany and the US, his extensive career spans influential roles across different continents. With notable contributions in France with Veolia, leadership in Brazil, and pivotal roles in the UK and Spain, Rogalla’s journey illustrates a lifelong commitment to water and innovation.
The Birth of Innovation at Aqualia
Joining Aqualia 18 years ago from Black & Veatch was more than a career shift for Rogalla; it was an opportunity to mold an innovation department from the ground up. With a directive from Aqualia’s CEO to innovate without resources, Rogalla capitalized on available research grants during a time when Spain found itself in a financial crisis. By tapping into substantial local and European funding pools, Rogalla forged an innovation team that now includes approximately 50 staff members across 12 locations, driven to deliver sustainable solutions within the water sector.
Aqualia’s Innovative Strategy: From Scratch to Success
Rogalla’s methods are unorthodox yet effective. His approach eschews a centralized research center, instead integrating research into operational sites to facilitate practical application. This fosters an environment where innovation is born from real-world challenges and solutions are immediately adaptable. The continuous cycle of applying for EU grants is crucial to maintaining this innovation engine, necessitating dedicated resources and strategic partnerships.
Benefits and Challenges of Third-Party Funding
One of the primary advantages of leveraging external funding sources is the unpredictability and inspiration infused into the innovation process. Pursuing grants forces creativity and novel implementations, ensuring Aqualia remains competitive by continually pushing equitable, cost-effective, and pioneering solutions. On the flip side, relying on cyclical project-based funding introduces risks surrounding continuity and employee retention. Yet, Rogalla’s strategic emphasis on consortium-building not only supports employee job security within Aqualia but indirectly empowers them to shape future projects through newly acquired partnerships and collaborations.
Emotional Reflections and Legacy Building
In a concluding reflection, Rogalla shares a poignant moment with Piers Clark, delving into a personal loss that underscores the importance of camaraderie and mentorship in innovation. Frankly, acknowledging the recent passing of his mentor and friend, James Barnard, Rogalla illustrates the significance of honoring past giants who shaped the industry through ongoing scholarship endowments.
A Remarkable Model of Innovation
Throughout this episode, Frank Rogalla illustrates a self-starting model of innovation within water utilities, unearthing a path of widespread acclaim and admiration. While his distinctive methods set a high bar within the sector, Rogalla remains committed to sharing his blueprint for success, inviting others to embrace innovation as a transformative force. The conversation between Phillips and Rogalla captures a comprehensive yet accessible snapshot of groundbreaking leadership.
It serves as a compelling testament to the endless potential of innovation fueled by resourcefulness, partnerships, and an unyielding vision for the future of the water sector.