In today's competitive environment, well thought-out idea management is essential in order to promote innovation in a targeted manner and secure sustainable competitive advantages. KIROI Step 7 offers a practice-orientated framework that does not view idea management as an isolated task, but as a continuous, company-wide support process. In this way, this approach supports companies in systematically developing creative potential and successfully implementing ideas.
Idea management as a driver for sustainable innovation
Idea management means much more than just collecting suggestions. It is a structured process that encompasses the collection, evaluation, implementation and monitoring of ideas. KIROI step 7 in particular emphasises the importance of holistic anchoring in the company. Effective idea management combines cross-departmental collaboration with digital tools and targeted support in order to recognise and eliminate obstacles at an early stage.
In the automotive industry, for example, many companies use digital platforms where employees can upload their own suggestions. These are evaluated and prioritised by an interdisciplinary team. This creates agile innovation cycles that improve products more quickly and better fulfil market requirements.
The interplay between idea management and coaching is also crucial in mechanical engineering. Moderated workshops are held regularly in which employees from development, production and sales work together to develop new solutions. Structured documentation and follow-up help to ensure that ideas do not get lost in day-to-day business but are consistently implemented.
In the service sector, many organisations rely on KIROI step 7 to make innovation processes transparent. This allows ideas to grow through regular exchange between teams and be utilised across departments. This promotes a culture of openness and mutual appreciation - essential prerequisites for lively idea management.
Practical tips for implementing idea management
A successful start to idea management begins with clear objectives. Companies should therefore use the SMART method to define measurable and achievable targets. This keeps the process focussed and results measurable.
It is also advisable to form cross-departmental teams that bring in different perspectives. This promotes creative synergies and ensures that ideas are considered holistically.
The use of digital platforms makes it much easier to capture and track ideas. Tools such as Jira Product Discovery or specialised idea management systems combine transparency with ease of use.
Regular feedback and exchange formats, such as moderated workshops, are also crucial. They ensure a lively exchange and help to break down blockages. External coaches can accompany this process to provide new impetus and keep the innovation engine running.
In the healthcare sector, for example, a hospital was able to double the number of suggestions for improvement submitted by introducing moderated feedback rounds. This not only improved operational processes, but also increased employee commitment.
A medium-sized manufacturing company also reported how it was able to restructure the idea management process through targeted coaching and thus significantly reduce costly production errors. This strengthened trust and motivation in the team in the long term.
BEST PRACTICE at a customer (name withheld due to NDA agreement): At a leading technology company, KIROI-compliant idea management led to employees being systematically involved in innovation projects in future. Digital tools and regular feedback loops significantly increased participation in the process. The company reports a higher implementation rate of creative suggestions and a stronger culture of innovation.
Idea management as a strategic element in the company
In line with KIROI step 7, idea management is seen as a central pillar of corporate innovation. The aim is to create a culture that not only encourages creative impulses, but also actively promotes and supports them. Clear responsibilities ensure that ideas are managed in a structured manner from submission to realisation.
In the IT sector in particular, companies are demonstrating how transparent documentation and exchange formats can create a lively innovation process. Ideas are quickly networked across departments and can quickly flow into new products or services.
In retail, on the other hand, idea management is used to quickly improve the customer experience. Employees are encouraged to derive suggestions for improvement directly from customer feedback and incorporate them into the process. This practice ensures customer-centred further development of services.
There are also numerous examples in the education sector of how idea management serves as a driver for innovative teaching methods and organisational development. Schools and universities are implementing digital platforms to pool ideas from teaching staff and students and develop them further together.
My analysis
The modern concept of idea management, as implemented in KIROI Step 7, helps companies to unleash their innovative power throughout the organisation. The focus on transparent support and sustainable involvement of all those involved has a positive effect on the corporate culture and the success of implementation. The use of digital tools, regular feedback cycles and accompanying coaching transforms idea management from a static suggestion scheme into a dynamic driver of innovation. The examples from various industries show impressively how idea management can help companies to recognise opportunities, exploit potential and remain competitive in the long term.
Further links from the text above:
REFA Lexicon: Idea management
Idea management in the company with KIROI Step 7
Idea management: definition, process and tips
Rethinking idea management - KIROI step 7
Idea management - tools and best practices
What is idea management? Definition & Process
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