Idea management in the digital era: Why step 7 is crucial
Anyone dealing with innovation and change in organisations today cannot avoid the topic of idea management. This is no longer just about classic brainstorming sessions, but about systemic, sustainable processes that benefit from new technologies and methods. The KIROI concept is proving particularly successful here, with step 7 specifically promoting cooperation between different departments and thus providing sustainable impetus for the entire organisation[1]. Idea management thus becomes the engine for digital transformation.
Understanding KIROI Step 7: Networking creates innovation
The strength of the KIROI approach lies in transforming idea management into a structured process that actively integrates different areas of the company. Step 7 - „Ideas for other departments“ - encourages companies to think outside the box. Companies experience time and again that valuable synergies arise when, for example, customer service, IT and marketing work together on new concepts[1][3]. This is the only way to create solutions that keep an eye on the big picture and create real added value.
Many of our clients in transruptions coaching report that they rarely achieve top performance with traditional idea management because the best ideas often lie dormant in other departments. KIROI Step 7 provides methods that enable teams to come together in a targeted manner, share knowledge and grow together[1][3]. This step is essential, especially in industries that are characterised by rapid, technology-driven change.
Practical examples of idea management with KIROI Step 7
An illustrative example: An international company in the financial services sector uses KIROI Step 7 to develop innovative approaches to customer loyalty. The IT department provides technical insights, while the sales department contributes practical experience. The result is an app that individualises advisory services and thus increases customer satisfaction.
Equally impressive: a medium-sized manufacturer of special machinery is launching a project in which development, production and purchasing are working together to optimise processes. Using AI-supported tools, they identify bottlenecks that individual departments would not have been able to solve on their own - and thus noticeably increase overall efficiency[1].
And finally: in step 7, a service provider from the healthcare sector is developing an intranet portal through which all employees can submit and discuss suggestions for improvements. This makes it possible to develop the power of innovation beyond traditional hierarchies.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)
The management of a logistics company was specifically looking for ways to professionalise internal idea management and establish new digital solutions. Step 7 was systematically implemented as part of a KIROI coaching programme: regular cross-departmental workshops were held in which representatives from technology, warehousing, scheduling and accounting worked together to develop digital workflows. The biggest challenge was establishing an open error culture to encourage innovative suggestions. In the end, a digital portal was created that allowed everyone involved to submit and evaluate process optimisations and technical solutions. Thanks to this structure, the implementation rate for suggestions for improvement increased by over 40 per cent within a year and employees felt more connected to the company.
Recommendations for successful idea management
If you want to establish KIROI step 7 in your organisation, you should first initiate fixed dialogue formats. Examples include regular innovation workshops or interdisciplinary project groups in which different perspectives come together in a targeted manner[1][3]. It is important to cultivate a culture of open communication and break down inhibitions.
Clients often report that tools such as digital whiteboards or community platforms provide additional support for the process. Agile methods such as design thinking or scrum also help to make idea management dynamic and transparent.
Our transruption coaching provides organisations with targeted support in the implementation of KIROI Step 7. Together we develop strategies that are precisely tailored to individual challenges and corporate goals - and thus allow the potential of the entire team to fully unfold.
Interplay of technology and culture in idea management
Technology alone is not enough to revolutionise idea management. The decisive factor is the corporate culture in which innovations can grow. Companies that establish a culture of error, in which learning from failure is allowed, benefit particularly strongly from new methods. This is precisely where KIROI Step 7 comes in, by bringing departments together and enabling joint growth[3].
Digital tools such as AI-supported analysis platforms, chatbots or intelligent recruiting systems provide impetus, but must always be accompanied by an appreciative culture. This is the only way to turn ideas into sustainable innovations.
My analysis
Idea management remains a key success factor for companies in all sectors - especially when it succeeds in bringing together different perspectives and competences. KIROI Step 7 offers a tried-and-tested approach that takes both the technological and cultural dimensions into account. Those who consistently implement this step create the basis for continuous improvement, genuine innovation and long-term competitiveness.
Further links from the text above:
AI as a threat or an opportunity in times of skills shortages [1]
Introduction to artificial intelligence according to the requirements of the EU AI ACTS - practical workshop [3]
Artificial Intelligence training programme - Management Circle [4]
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Artificial intelligence here.
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