Vice President of AI Market Research & Strategy - AI, Software & Data Management

Overview

About the Role & TeamAs the Vice President of AI Market Research & Strategy, you will serve as the organization’s definitive authority on the global Artificial Intelligence landscape. Your mandate is to lead comprehensive, external-facing market research initiatives focused entirely on the AI industry. You will decode complex AI technologies, map the competitive ecosystem, and provide visionary foresight on how AI is reshaping global markets. You will guide the C-suite, product teams, and corporate strategy through the rapidly evolving AI frontier, ensuring our organization remains at the forefront of technological and commercial innovation.       What You’ll Do

• AI Ecosystem & Technology Foresight: Lead deep-dive research into emerging AI paradigms, including foundational models, agentic workflows, embodied AI, and autonomous systems. Continuously benchmark global AI leaders, startups, and academic breakthroughs to anticipate technological shifts and identify disruptive threats.                                                                    
• Commercialization & Business Model Analysis: Decode the underlying business models of the AI economy. Analyze AI pricing strategies, enterprise adoption curves, and ROI realization across different verticals. Translate complex AI capabilities into clear market opportunities and viable commercialization pathways for our organization.                                      
• Strategic Market Sizing & Trend Forecasting: Architect rigorous methodologies to measure and forecast the AI market. Evaluate Total Addressable Market (TAM), serviceable obtainable market (SOM), and emerging AI-driven revenue streams. Provide data-backed strategic recommendations on where to invest, build, partner, or acquire.                                            
• Regulatory, Risk & Ethical Intelligence: Monitor and analyze the global AI regulatory landscape, data privacy laws, and geopolitical dynamics. Assess the commercial impact of AI governance, safety standards, and ethical considerations on our business and the broader industry.                                        
• Executive Advisory & Strategic Storytelling: Act as the primary AI market intelligence advisor to the CEO and executive board. Synthesize vast amounts of AI market signals into compelling, structured narratives that drive corporate strategy, M&A due diligence, and product roadmap prioritization.                                                                                
• Cross-Functional Insight Activation: Partner seamlessly with Corporate Development, Product Management, and Venture Capital teams to ensure AI market insights directly inform investment theses, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market strategies.       

What You Bring

• Education: Advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in Business Administration, Economics, Technology Strategy, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in technology market research, strategic consulting, or corporate strategy, with at least 5 years specifically focused on the AI, Machine Learning, or deep tech sectors.
• AI Domain Expertise: Exceptional understanding of the AI value chain, from infrastructure and model development to enterprise applications and edge deployment. Proven ability to evaluate the commercial viability of cutting-edge AI technologies.
• Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated track record of advising C-level executives and boards on AI strategy. Ability to navigate ambiguity and provide clear, actionable foresight in a highly volatile and rapidly evolving market.
• Leadership: Strong history of building and leading high-performing research teams. Ability to attract and retain top-tier talent with hybrid skill sets in technology analysis and business strategy.

Preferred Attributes:

• Prior experience at a top-tier technology strategy consulting firm or a specialized AI research/advisory organization.
• Published thought leadership, whitepapers, or recognized expertise in AI market dynamics and technology foresight.
•  Strong Communications skills in English and Chinese.

Why This Role Stands Out At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and where it goes next. You collaborate with curious, high-caliber colleagues who value rigor, integrity, and shared success. As the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, IDC equips business and technology leaders with the evidence they need to make confident decisions. Our insights inform strategy, investment, and innovation across industries and regions.

Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide and a truly global perspective, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your contributions provide the insights leaders rely on every day. It is meaningful work, backed by a culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term career development with a globally respected brand.

What We Offer

• Individualized Culture: An environment where you can explore new areas outside your specialty and stay engaged with work you enjoy.

• Hybrid Working: Hybrid working with 4 days in office per week required.

• Time-off and holidays: On top of your statutory holiday allowance and public holidays, IDC grants annually review company–wide closures on 19 August (Unplug Day) and 26 December – 3 January inclusive (Global Shutdown) and a volunteering day.

• A position in a highly professional and globally respected market research and advisory firm, where initiative leading to results is rewarded.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify. 

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