The ideas department has always been at the centre of corporate processes that are geared towards innovation, improvement and growth. However, in order to sustainably increase innovative strength, it is not enough to simply collect good ideas - clear structures, methods and a culture that systematically utilises the creative potential of all employees are required. As a transruption coach, I specifically support companies in professionalising their ideas department - and KIROI Step 6 offers an outstanding framework for this.
The role of the ideas department in the digital transformation
Organisations today not only have to react quickly to changes, but also provide impetus for innovation themselves. The ideas department can act as a driving force here because it pools resources and manages processes relating to idea generation. Our clients often report that although they have creative approaches, they suffer from a lack of implementation strategies.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A medium-sized production company had a well-staffed ideas department, but was dissatisfied with the lack of visibility of the results. As part of a six-month accompanying project, we were able to revise the structure of the department, define clear areas of action and intensify communication between the individual teams. This led to a measurably higher acceptance of suggestions for improvement and an increase in the implementation rate of over 30 per cent. The impetus to integrate a digital ideas management system gave the entire team a noticeable boost - also in the perception of the management, which is now actively involved in the ideas department's topics.
In technology-orientated industries in particular, we often find that existing structures are too rigid to react to agile impulses. Another practical example: a mechanical engineering company introduced regular innovation hackathons in which external developers and the company's own employees work together on new solutions. This made it possible to overcome the fear of change and find new impetus for everyday work. A third example comes from the service industry, where a task force for innovation management was set up - this now coordinates all measures in the ideas department and ensures better networking with other areas of the company.
Methods and tools for a strong ideas department
In order for an ideas department to actually become a driver of innovation, the targeted use of proven methods is recommended. Idea management encompasses the collection, organisation, evaluation and implementation of ideas submitted by employees, customers or other stakeholders[1]. The best procedures combine classic approaches such as the employee suggestion scheme and continuous improvement processes (CIP) with modern, digitally supported platforms[2].
In addition, the structured organisation of tasks has proven to be indispensable because it promotes transparency and accountability[4]. Companies that regularly critically analyse and adapt their processes report a higher speed of innovation and more commitment within the team. Successful approaches include, for example
- The establishment of innovative feedback rounds in which ideas are openly discussed and prioritised.
- The use of digital tools to easily record and manage suggestions for improvement.
- Targeted support through transruption coaching, which accompanies teams in the implementation of new structures and methods.
Another example from the e-commerce sector: here, employee participation was significantly increased with the help of an online platform - within just a few months, over 500 suggestions for improvement were received, many of which were directly incorporated into process optimisation. It is also worth carrying out regular retrospectives in the manufacturing industry in order to gain new insights for day-to-day work.
KIROI Step 6: Professionalising the ideas department
KIROI Step 6 stands for a holistic approach to sustainably anchoring the culture of innovation in the company. The ideas department is not viewed in isolation, but is positioned as an integral part of the corporate strategy. Clearly defined goals, customised budgets, smart personnel selection, optimised processes and an efficient IT infrastructure are key success factors[6].
The focus is on the consistent transfer from theory to implementation. Many companies now rely on digital portals to simplify collaboration between teams and to automate the evaluation of suggestions. Clients often report that even small changes in day-to-day business - such as the introduction of regular „innovation roundtables“ - provide noticeable impetus.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) In a medium-sized company in the logistics sector, the entire ideas department was reorganised according to the KIROI approach. This began with a comprehensive analysis of the existing structures and innovation potential. Clear responsibilities were then defined, a digital ideas management system was introduced and an incentive programme was set up for particularly committed suggestions. Employees were given targeted training to break down barriers and encourage new ideas. Just three months after the start of the project, it became clear that the ideas department is now perceived as a real game changer - both internally and by external partners and customers.
Other industries have also shown that implementing a rolling process for evaluating ideas increases acceptance and the speed at which innovations are implemented. It is also advisable to set up an innovation committee that regularly decides on the implementation of the top ideas and promotes them in a targeted manner.
Opportunities and challenges for the ideas department
A strong ideas department brings numerous benefits: process optimisation, product improvements, new business models, cost savings and greater employee loyalty[2]. At the same time, there are challenges, such as internal resistance, unclear structures or a lack of measurability of results.
From our own experience in coaching, we see time and again that companies find it difficult to clearly formulate innovation goals and provide the necessary resources. An example from the energy sector shows how important it is to make the appreciation of creative contributions visible to the outside world. Regular presentations to the management and the integration of the ideas department into strategic decisions have sustainably increased its importance.
In the chemical industry, on the other hand, a decentralised innovation platform has been established through which employees from different locations can contribute and prioritise their ideas. This not only promotes collaboration, but also ensures a high degree of transparency and fairness in the selection process. A third example comes from the automotive industry, where the ideas department was closely interlinked with product development, resulting in several marketable solutions in a short space of time that clearly positioned the company.
My analysis
A well-organised ideas department is the backbone for sustainable innovation success in the company. With a clear structure, a lively feedback system and the targeted promotion of creativity, companies can significantly increase their competitiveness and proactively tackle important future issues.
The consistent implementation of KIROI Step 6 sets new standards because the focus is on linking innovation culture, digital infrastructure and company-wide participation. Ultimately, a strong ideas department always pays off - and is often the starting point for surprising new business opportunities and sustainable corporate development.
Further links from the text above:
[1] What is idea management? Definition, process and best practice
[2] Idea management: definition, methods, advantages + examples
[3] Ideas department - Business Dictionary
[4] Task breakdown - organisational manual
[5] Department definition - What is a department?
[6] Department: Organisation and functions in the company
[7] Department (organisation) - Wikipedia
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