Bringing innovation strategy to life: Utilising ideas company-wide
A sustainable innovation strategy thrives on the continuous exchange and utilisation of ideas across all departments. The importance of bringing together impulses from different departments often becomes particularly apparent during implementation. Because only when innovative approaches are utilised throughout the company do they develop their full effect and bring about real change.
Many companies today recognise that collecting individual successes is not enough. Instead, it is important to establish a culture of innovation that activates employees from all levels and areas. The challenge is to systematically record and evaluate innovative ideas and utilise them where they bring the greatest added value. This is supported by a well thought-out innovation strategy that accompanies this process and is understood as a living instrument.
Initiate cross-departmental brainstorming
A successful innovation strategy is often the result of different teams working together. When departments such as IT, sales, production or marketing pool their perspectives, they can tackle known challenges together and develop new solutions. This creates impulses that would be almost impossible to realise on their own. This interdisciplinary exchange not only promotes innovative products, but also improved processes and customer-orientated services.
For example, companies from the food industry report on how ingredient innovations from research teams are being used in product development to respond to changing consumer demands. In the automotive sector, modern digital approaches from IT are helping to make manufacturing processes more efficient and sustainable. Service providers can use input from sales to develop new service concepts that are better tailored to customer requirements.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at DEF (name changed due to NDA contract)
In a service company, an interdisciplinary team was formed that regularly organised cross-departmental innovation workshops. These workshops resulted in several process innovations that improved service quality and reduced costs at the same time. The involvement of a wide range of specialist departments was crucial for success.
Innovation strategy as a driver for continuous development
An innovation strategy should be flexible and adaptive. Instead of sticking rigidly to a plan, it is advisable to see it as a living companion. In this way, it adapts to new market requirements and internal company changes and continuously supports employees in creative processes. Methods such as design thinking or brainstorming can help to develop viable concepts from individual ideas. In this way, the innovation strategy becomes an instrument that permanently promotes growth and further development.
For example, companies in the automotive industry use creativity techniques to recognise and implement product innovations more quickly. In the food sector, the use of such methods makes it possible to anticipate trends early on and design new product lines. Service providers use such techniques to optimise their internal processes and work in a more customer-friendly way.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract)
A food production company has trained its employees to use creative tools in workshops. This enabled them to develop new recipes that respond to health and sustainability trends. This flexibility became part of the overall innovation strategy and led to better market positioning.
Involve and motivate employees in a targeted manner
A central aspect of any innovation strategy is the involvement of employees. They are often the source of valuable ideas and are a key driver of a company's innovation potential. An open culture in which suggestions from all hierarchical levels are actively encouraged significantly increases commitment and the degree of innovation.
It is important to systematically support employees and offer them clear processes for passing on and evaluating ideas. This creates trust that innovations will actually be taken seriously and utilised. With the right coaching, organisations can reinforce this culture and break down barriers.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at service provider MNO (name changed due to NDA contract)
One service provider used KIROI Step 7 to set up a transparent platform where all employees can contribute their ideas. The suggestions were regularly evaluated and prioritised, resulting in numerous improvements to customer service and internal processes. This open approach significantly strengthened the culture of innovation.
Providing impetus - sustainably supporting innovation strategies
Innovation strategies can be better realised through supportive guidance. In doing so, it is essential to provide impetus for new perspectives and at the same time to respond individually to the specifics of the company. This creates a dynamic culture that recognises and implements change as an opportunity.
The support not only promotes the dissemination of ideas, but also helps to overcome technical, organisational and cultural hurdles. In this way, it is often possible to establish a permanently effective innovation strategy that benefits employees and companies alike.
My analysis
In order to successfully implement an innovation strategy, it is crucial to use ideas across departments and thus create an organisational culture of collaboration. The challenge lies in overcoming internal silos so that innovations do not remain isolated but realise their full potential. Coaching and structured support can provide valuable assistance and improve internal processes in the long term. This creates momentum that supports and strengthens companies on their path to greater agility and innovation. Clients often report increased dynamism and a significant increase in their level of innovation as a result of this supportive approach.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Unleash ideas company-wide with KIROI Step 7 - SAULDIE
[4] Mastering innovation strategy: KIROI step 7 for your company
[2] Implementing a strategy: With these 8 principles ...
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