Richard James MacCowan in

Richard James MacCowan

Captain · DISC type DS
Jury pool at European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)
📍 York, England, United Kingdom

Richard James MacCowan is the Founder of Biomimicry Innovation Lab and a Jury Member for the European Innovation Council. He specializes in determining the manufacturing feasibility of nature-inspired deep-tech for sectors like agriculture and urbanism. He holds a Ph. D. from Leeds Beckett University and is described by colleagues as brilliant, diligent, and trustworthy.

Originally from Scotland, his interest in natural systems was sparked by his grandfathers agricultural background. In his free time, Richard enjoys running and cycling in the countryside near his home in York, England to recharge. He leverages his Scottish sense of storytelling in his professional speaking engagements, blending design, finance, and biomimicry.

Unique fact: Richard is the founder of the non-profit Biomimicry UK and an equine technology startup, Smart Stable Limited.

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Current Role
Jury pool
Location
York, England, United Kingdom
Personality Overview

How Richard shows up

Dynamic But Sincere
Output-Driven
Consummate Professional

They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together. Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them. They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.

Priorities

Topics Richard cares about

Manufacturing Feasibility
His core focus is evaluating if nature-inspired ideas are manufacturable at scale or merely 'theatre', a central theme in his professional introduction and work.
Nature-Inspired Innovation
As the Founder of Biomimicry Innovation Lab and a frequent speaker on the topic, he is a leading voice in applying lessons from nature to solve human challenges.
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Career

Work history

5-2025
Jury pool
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)
11-2020 - 12-2020
Visiting Lecturer
Royal College of Art
10-2020
Visiting Lecturer - Biomimicry
University of Westminster
12-2019
Founder + Lead Technical Advisor
Biomimicry Innovation Lab
12-2019
Professional Speaker + Workshop Facilitator
Biomimicry Innovation Lab
In the press

Media appearances

No media yetWe could not find public media appearances for this person.
Education
BSc (Hons)
Heriot-Watt University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Leeds Beckett University
Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

D

Dominance (D)

Dominance (D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is, and their ability to accomplish results irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition, and success.

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