The market data is unequivocal – only innovation can drive above average market performance on a sustained basis. But not just any kind of innovation. In the past, innovation at the product level was sufficient to drive superior performance. But in today’s economy, it increasingly requires innovation at the process and business model level to make a real, competitive difference.

Many organizations implemented a first generation innovation process – often modeled on the commercial venture capital model of grass root ideas attracting capital. Perhaps yours like many, was an interesting experiment that was cut when the economic climate got harsher. But does this mean innovation should be stopped? Of course not. The failure of many of these experiments was due to the wrong model and the view that innovation was a separate activity - keep away from the traditional lines of businesses. But nothing can grow in vacuum. Innovation needs to be systematic and systemic in your organization. It must draw on the assets that your business already has, whether they are hard assets like plants and machinery, intellectual assets such as specialist knowledge or patents and intangible assets including relationships. 

Historically businesses established a funding funnel or stage-gate process, with a flow of business ideas and innovations entering the funnel. As the business ideas moved along the funnel, decisions were made as to whether to continue to fund the individual ideas. The problem is that invariably very little comes out of the other end of the funnel! Why have these programs so under-delivered? Because they are based on the wrong model. Unlike the classic VC model, corporate innovation and business development must be a generative process that enables continuous innovation and the continuous development of more and more options. The classic funnel actually serves to reduce options over time. So, the funnel must be flipped! 

Systematic and systemic innovation should also be seen as a strategic lever in maximizing investments and minimizing costs and duplication. 

Do you need these kind of results in your business?

Greatly improved generation of viable new options that are based on your existing capabilities

Integrated approach that builds from current product/service areas as well as looking for 'whitespace' opportunities. 

Enhanced and rigorous decision-making paths on options, to maximize investments and minimize costs and duplication

Systematic and systemic approaches to creativity and innovation that can be integrated with your existing business processes 

Strategic informational advantages of marketspace and competitor dynamics

Next Steps

We offer seminars, workshops and innovation fieldtrips as kick-off/introductory events to familiarize you with our leading edge practices. Contact us to talk more about how we can help you reach your goals.

Read our pioneering and prescient work on 'Flipping the Funnel' in this introductory article and early work (while others were focused on making better widgets) on innovation in the Frontiers of Innovation white paper.

Let's talk about your business goals: we value your time so we'll quickly tell you if our skills are a good fit. Initial contacts can be directed by email or to our US headquarters by phone on +1 832 242 3508. We look forward to an interesting conversation!