5 things organisations get wrong about innovation

Innovation is going to be a key driver of growth for organisations and the economy as we look to come out of the pandemic, yet innovation itself is not easy and there are many pitfalls to be avoided along the way. Here are some of the common things that organisations get wrong when embarking on an innovation journey or trying to kick-start an existing one:

Space is but one lever in building a more innovative culture. Truly innovative organisations take an ecosystem approach and link the lab to their innovation strategy, process, teams and other elements of the operating model rather than operating as a standalone space where flannel shirt wearing hipsters get to hang out supping macchiatos from a 3D printed cup whilst sitting in bean bags wearing VR goggles.

Design-led innovation needs to be embedded into the teams who are doing the innovating – the marketing, product, technology, R&D and innovation teams.

There are no shortcuts to innovation success, but there are plenty of lessons learnt. Where I see it work is when teams are doing the right innovation projects, in the right way within an inspiring innovative culture. To build such an environment requires the thoughtful development & integration of customer-centricity, design and innovation into all aspects of your team or organisation.

Written by Nathan Baird.