Gijs van Wulfen

Internal resistance, bureaucracy and a lack of leadership support are just two of the common roadblocks you face as innovator when bringing ideas to life in an organisation.

If you’re an innovation consultant, intrapreneur, or leader struggling to get buy-in for your ideas, then Breaking Innovation Barriers by Gijs van Wulfen is a must-read. This book provides you with 15 proven strategies to overcome corporate resistance and gain management support, making it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in innovation.

But what makes this book stand out in a crowded market of business and innovation literature? Here are five compelling reasons why innovators should read Breaking Innovation Barriers and how it can help you succeed.

1. Identifying and Understanding the 15 Most Common Innovation Barriers

One of the biggest challenges innovators face is not knowing exactly what is preventing their ideas from gaining traction. Many innovators hope that a good idea will naturally be accepted—but, as you know so well, the reality is far more complex.

Gijs van Wulfen’s book systematically identifies 15 common barriers that stop innovation in organisations, including:

• Risk aversion and fear of failure – Many managers and employees hesitate to embrace new ideas because they fear the consequences of failure.

• Lack of priority – Without a clear business case, leadership may not see innovation as a priority.

• Silo mentality – Departments work in isolation, making collaboration and cross-functional innovation difficult.

• Budget constraints – Even promising innovations struggle when financial resources are limited.

• Short-term focus – Many organisations prioritise quarterly results over long-term growth, making it difficult to justify investment in innovation.

By recognising these barriers, you can develop targeted strategies to overcome them rather than wasting energy fighting invisible forces. Instead of just pushing harder, innovators can work smarter, adjusting their approach to address the real underlying issues.

“Most managers only innovate when doing nothing is a bigger risk” – Gijs van Wulfen

Understanding these barriers is the first step toward breaking through them. This book provides a roadmap for innovators to diagnose and address the specific challenges they face within their organisations.

2. Proven Strategies to Secure Management Buy-In

Even the best ideas will fail if they don’t have leadership support. One of the most frustrating experiences for innovators is presenting an idea with great potential—only to be met with resistance, skepticism, or indifference from top management.

Van Wulfen’s book provides 15 concrete strategies for winning over executives and decision-makers, including:

• Understanding your management deeply– Instead of focusing on creativity and possibilities, frame innovation in terms of return on investment (ROI), risk mitigation, and strategic advantage, based on an understanding of what they really want.

• Experiment: starting small and proving value – Instead of asking for a huge budget upfront, implement a small, low-risk pilot project to demonstrate the concept’s value.

• Aligning with strategic goals– Innovations that clearly support the company’s mission and strategic objectives are much more likely to receive support

• Building internal coalitions – Creating innovation ambassadors by gaining buy-in from multiple stakeholders before approaching leadership can significantly improve your chances of success.

Many innovators make the mistake of assuming that good ideas sell themselves. The reality is that innovation is a political and strategic process. This book teaches you how to navigate that process effectively, ensuring your ideas don’t just sound good on paper but actually get implemented.

“Innovation without management support is like sailing without wind.” – Gijs van Wulfen

3. Real-World Innovation Stories That Provide Practical Lessons

Theory is useful, but real-world examples bring ideas to life. One of the strengths of Breaking Innovation Barriers is that it doesn’t just provide advice—it backs up every strategy with actual case studies from successful innovators.

For example, the book explores:

• How SAP created a safezone to experiment and boosted internal innovation effectiveness.

• How SEA, the Airports of Milano, used a WEnovation approach to unite internal silos and boost innovation successfully.

• How BRUIL, a midsize concrete company, took off on an innovation journey creating the largest 3D printed concrete project of the world.

•  How proven methodologies helped NTTDATA, a 100.000+ IT company, to innovate Japan.

These and other stories provide powerful lessons and actionable takeaways that innovators can apply in their own industries.

Innovation is not just about new ideas; it’s about creating impact.” – Gijs van Wulfen

By learning from those who have successfully navigated similar challenges, readers can avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their own innovation journey.

4. Ensuring That Innovation Aligns with Organisational Strategy

One of the most common reasons innovation initiatives fail is because they are seen as side projects rather than essential parts of the organization’s strategy. Too often, innovation is treated as an isolated effort led by a single department rather than an integrated approach that supports the company’s larger goals.

This book emphasizes the importance of strategic alignment and teaches innovators how to:

• Frame innovation in terms of business growth – Instead of presenting ideas as “nice-to-have” experiments, tie them directly to key performance indicators (KPIs) and revenue growth.

• Work within existing company priorities – Innovation efforts that align with corporate initiatives (such as digital transformation or sustainability) are more likely to be supported.

• Use strategic timing – Launching an innovation initiative at the right moment—such as when a company is looking for new revenue streams—can significantly improve its chances of success.

“An innovator should have the patience of a hunter to pick the right moment.” – Gijs van Wulfen

By following the principles in this book, innovators can ensure that their efforts are not just tolerated but actively supported as critical to the company’s future success.

5. Practical Tools, Inspiring Quotes, and Actionable Takeaways

The book is not just filled with ideas—it’s packed with practical tools and motivational insights to help innovators take action. Each strategy comes with step-by-step guidance on how to implement it, making it easy for readers to apply the lessons in their own work.

Some highlights include:

• Frameworks for pitching innovation to executives

• Checklists for identifying and overcoming specific barriers

• Templates for creating compelling business cases for new ideas

• Inspiring quotes and anecdotes from successful innovators

Many innovation books offer high-level theory but lack concrete guidance on execution. Breaking Innovation Barriers is different—it’s a hands-on playbook designed to help innovators take action immediately.

“The best guarantee to win management buy-in for innovation is a launching customer.” – Gijs van Wulfen

Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Innovators

With a 5-star rating on Amazon, Breaking Innovation Barriers has been praised by innovation leaders worldwide. One reviewer called it:

“An absolute must-read for innovation leaders, idea generators, and anyone looking to successfully navigate innovations through organizations.”

If you’re an innovator struggling to get your ideas accepted, this book will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to break through resistance and drive meaningful change.

Don’t let bureaucracy, resistance, or lack of support kill your best ideas. Grab a copy of Breaking Innovation Barriers and turn your innovations into reality.

Depending on your role, attitude, and background, senior managers and C-suite
executives may see innovation quite differently and expect different outcomes, as you can see in the picture above with the six innovation hats.

The researcher, the engineer, the investor, the advocate, the motivator, and the
organiser all have different perspectives, all valid and true.

So, get to know your top manager first to get a proper impression of his or her background and how they define innovation.

‘Understand your Management’ is the first of 15 strategies to win management buy-in for innovation from the new book ‘Breaking Innovation Barriers’.

Check it out now on Amazon to win management buy-in for innovation making you an impactful innovator.

Ps. The six hats were published in an article in HBR, 2019/11 “What kind of chief innovation officer your company need.”

Innovation is hard. You’ve got the ideas, the energy, and the passion. But without management support, you’re going nowhere fast. As innovators, we face resistance at every turn. We’re told “no” more often than “yes.” But the good news? There are strategies to turn those “no’s” into “yes’s.”

Let me walk you through 15 practical strategies to win the buy-in you need to get your innovation off the ground.

1. Understand What Your Managers Care About

To get their support, you need to know what makes your managers tick. What are their priorities? Align your innovation proposal with their goals, and you’ll stand a better chance of getting the green light.

2. Build a Team of Innovation Ambassadors

Find like-minded people in your organisation who believe in innovation. Create a network of supporters who can help champion your ideas. This informal team can make a huge difference in spreading enthusiasm and driving change.

3. Break Down Silos—We-nnovate, Don’t I-nnovate

Silos kill innovation. When teams work in isolation, new ideas get stuck. Get departments talking to each other. Encourage collaboration across the business. When we stop working in silos and start “we-nnovating,” magic happens.

4. Assemble Your Dream Team

Innovation is all about people. You need the right team to make it happen. Find individuals who are passionate, skilled, and ready to drive change. Senior managers will only back you if they trust the people leading the innovation charge.

5. Experiment, Experiment, Experiment

Managers love data. They don’t want opinions; they want proof. Run experiments to show what works and what doesn’t. Create a safe space where failure is okay, as long as you learn and adapt quickly. “Fail fast or scale fast” should be your mantra.

6. Timing Is Everything—Seize the Sweet Spot

Most companies focus on today’s business over tomorrow’s innovation. Wait for the right moment. The sweet spot usually comes when there’s a new strategy or a change in leadership. That’s when they’re most open to new ideas.

7. Align Innovation with Business Strategy

Make sure your innovation efforts directly support the company’s long-term goals. If you can show that your idea helps achieve strategic objectives, you’ll have a stronger case to win buy-in.

8. Highlight Past Successes

Your company has innovated before. Remind your managers of past wins and how they led to growth. Use those examples to demonstrate the value of supporting future innovation.

9. Find External Partners

Sometimes, the best innovations come from partnerships. Collaborate with external partners—customers, suppliers, universities—to bring fresh ideas into your organisation. This can help accelerate innovation and reduce risk.

10. Focus on the Customer

Innovation should always start with the customer. What are their challenges? How can your idea solve them? Keep the customer at the centre of your innovation process, and you’ll be more likely to create something truly impactful.

11. Use Proven Methods

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Use proven innovation methodologies to guide your process. It reduces uncertainty and helps gain the trust of management.

12. Show Customer Commitment

Got a new concept? Get potential customers to commit to it. When you can show that customers are ready to buy, it becomes much easier to get your managers to invest.

13. Create a Solid Business Case

Your innovation might be brilliant, but without a strong business case, it won’t get far. Outline the costs, benefits, risks, and potential returns. Give your managers the information they need to make an informed decision.

14. Craft a Great Story

Don’t just present the facts—tell a story. Paint a picture of what the future could look like with your innovation. Make it personal, make it real, and make it exciting. A great story is what gets people on board.

15. Be the Best Innovator You Can Be

Finally, you are part of the equation. It’s not just the idea; it’s about trust. Management needs to believe that you’re the right person to lead the innovation. Build relationships, show your commitment, and be the innovator they can rely on.

Turn Nos into Yesses

Winning management buy-in is never easy. But by following these 15 strategies, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and get the support you need.

In my new book, “Breaking Innovation Barriers”, I dive deeper into each of these strategies. Packed with practical tips and real-life examples, it’s your guide to turning those frustrating “no’s” into enthusiastic “yes’s.”

Check it out in the comments, pre-order it at Amazon, and take the first step to becoming an unstoppable innovator.

#Breakinginnovationbarriers #book #innovation #strategiestowinmanagementbuyin

The Most Innovative Country of the World in 2024 is…

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII), the top spot in 2024 belongs to Switzerland, once again!

Let’s explore what makes it shine—and why it’s relevant for us, as professionals looking to lead. Why Switzerland? Switzerland has topped the Global Innovation Index for years. In 2024, it’s no different. But what makes it so special? Here’s the secret: Switzerland excels because of its unique ecosystem of innovation. The country invests heavily in education, has a high-quality research infrastructure, and strong collaboration between business and academia. It’s not just about throwing money at problems—it’s about building a culture of continuous improvement. In short: Switzerland has built a well-oiled innovation machine that doesn’t rely on any one factor but on a whole ecosystem working together.

The 2024 Innovation Rankings: Now, Switzerland didn’t just sneak into first place. It secured the top spot convincingly. Here’s how the top 10 ranks for 2024: 1. Switzerland 2. Sweden 3. United States 4. Singapore 5. United Kingdom 6. South Korea 7. Finland 8. Netherlands 9. Germany 10. Denmark

While these countries all rank high, Switzerland consistently stands out for its holistic approach. What We Can Learn From Switzerland As professionals, we should look beyond the what and dive into the how. Switzerland’s approach has lessons for anyone looking to foster innovation:

1. Build Partnerships: Don’t innovate in isolation. Whether it’s universities, competitors, or government agencies—collaborate! Build an ecosystem that supports diverse input.

2. Invest in Talent: Switzerland’s success rests on a skilled workforce. As leaders, investing in people is non-negotiable if you want to stay ahead.

3. Focus on R&D: Research isn’t just for scientists. Even in business, investing in ‘exploring new ideas’ can set you apart. Create time for discovery in your teams.

4. Think Long-Term: The Swiss didn’t get to the top overnight. Their long-term focus on education, infrastructure, and innovation has built a lasting foundation. Patience pays off.

5. Go Global: Innovation today knows no borders. Engage in international networks, leverage global talent, and be open to ideas from everywhere.

Conclusion: Switzerland isn’t a magical exception. The reason it remains the most innovative country in 2024 is simple: it follows best practices consistently and invests heavily in the future. For us, the lesson is clear. If we want to drive innovation in our organizations, we need to invest in people, partnerships, and processes. So, what’s your plan for fostering innovation in 2024?

#GII #GII2024 #mostinnovativecountry #innovation

Management knows innovation is important, but find all kind of reasons to stop it continuously. Check out in this article the main struggles of corporate innovators and how to overcome them to increase your innovation impact ... breaking innovation barriers.

Innovation is critical. If your organisation doesn’t keep up with external changes, you risk becoming irrelevant. Research shows the lifespan of S&P 500 companies has plummeted from 61 years in 1958 to just 18 years today. The companies that failed? They didn’t innovate in time.

Many associate innovation with tech, but it’s broader than that. Yes, it could be about AI, biotech, or robotics, but it’s also about new business models, processes, or ways of working. It’s not just about invention. Innovation is about taking those ideas and turning them into reality—something that has an impact, whether it’s a new service, product, or approach. And that impact might be enormous, affecting how people think, act, or work. It could also have a quantitative effect—reaching massive audiences. In either case, innovation means change.

But here’s the kicker: innovation isn’t easy. In fact, the biggest obstacle is something simple, yet infuriating. The word “No”.

You’ve heard it before:• “No, we’ve tried that.”• “No, it’s too risky.”• “No, it’s not in the budget.”• “No, our customers won’t like it.”Sound familiar?

These are the kinds of rejections that kill innovation. And it’s not just about technical feasibility. More often, innovation dies because of a lack of management support. This is echoed by 52% of LinkedIn professionals who say their biggest challenge is simply that management doesn’t back innovation enough.

Why Does Innovation Struggle? Management knows innovation is important. They say it all the time. But they’re also dissatisfied with how it’s going. There’s a gap between their intentions and the reality of execution. They want incremental changes—small improvements over time. Radical ideas? They’re too scary, too much of a leap from the comfort zone.The truth is, innovation gets buried under daily priorities. CEOs know it’s vital for the future, but when push comes to shove, the immediate business needs always seem more pressing.

As I often say, “The business of today beats innovation for tomorrow.”

So, what happens to all those bright, disruptive ideas? They get killed. Not because they’re bad, but because they don’t get the chance to survive the bureaucratic gauntlet of “no’s.”

If you’re reading this, you probably know these struggles:1. Getting innovation on the corporate agenda. 2. Securing a budget for it. 3. Lack of senior management support. 4. Resistance from traditionalists. 5. Bureaucratic hurdles. 6. Aligning innovation with corporate strategy. 7. Facing internal competition for funding. 8. Dealing with risk-averse cultures. 9. Slow decision-making. 10. Organisational silos. 11. Attracting the right talent. 12. Skepticism about ROI. 13. Frustration with slow results. 14. Siloed thinking. 15. Resistance to new ideas. These challenges resonate with innovation professionals everywhere.

We’re battling against a corporate culture that both claims to love innovation but is quick to stifle it.

The good news? Innovation professionals aren’t alone. You have the ideas, the drive, and now, you need the support. Breaking these barriers is essential for future-proofing your organisation and maintaining relevance in an ever-changing world. That’s where my new book, “Breaking Innovation Barriers,” comes in. It dives deep into the practical ways you can navigate these obstacles, from securing management buy-in to creating an innovation culture that embraces risk and rewards forward-thinking ideas. You’ll find practical strategies and real-life examples to help break through the resistance and turn “no” into “yes.”

In Conclusion: Innovation is a Struggle—but You Can Win.

Yes, innovation is a struggle. It’s filled with resistance, obstacles, and frustrations. But it’s also necessary. Without it, companies fade, opportunities are missed, and the future becomes uncertain. You can overcome the “no’s.” You can break through the barriers. It just takes the right tools and strategies to push forward.Want to know how? Check out “Breaking Innovation Barriers” on Amazon, and pre-order now—it might just be the game-changer your (client's) organisation needs.

Wishing you lots of innovation success!

Innovative regards,

Gijs van Wulfen

Thinkers360 Global Number One Thought Leader on Design Thinking 2024

Innovators are the dreamers who turn ideas into reality. I am indeed; you too? Read further to learn from my five biggest mistakes  …

Even the best minds stumble sometimes. If you’re on your innovation journey, you might recognise these mistakes. Don’t worry—it happens to everyone. Here are five common traps talentful innovators fall into, including me, and how to avoid them.

1. Falling in Love with your Idea

It’s easy to get attached to your idea. You think it’s brilliant (and it might be). But the truth is, not every idea is a winner. Innovators often get so hooked on their original concept, they ignore feedback or signs it’s not working. Don’t make your idea your identity. Be flexible. If it’s not solving a real problem, pivot.

Solution:Test early. Get feedbackas early as possible for example by pretotyping. Be willing to let go if needed.

2. Ignoring Your Market

You’ve got a breakthrough solution—but does anyone need it? Innovators often focus on creating the “next big thing” without checking if there’s a market for it. No matter how cool your innovation is, if it doesn’t solve a pain point or relevant customer friction as I coin it, for someone, it’s not going anywhere.

Solution: Do your customer research first. Understand your market and the relevant problem you’re solving.

3. Overcomplicating the Solution

Innovators love adding features. It's tempting to keep tweaking and making your product, service or business model more impressive. But more isn’t always better. Sometimes, simplicity wins. Overcomplicating can confuse your audience and make the solution harder to use.

Solution: Start simple. Launch with your core value. You can always add features later.

4. Innovating Solo

You can invent alone, but innovating isn’t a solo sport. It’s easy to think you can handle everything yourself, but even the most talented innovators need a team. Surround yourself with people who complement your skills and challenge your thinking.

Solution: Build a diverse team from the start. Don’t just look for people who agree with you—find those who add new perspectives.

5. Moving Too Fast (or Too Slow)

Speed is crucial in innovation, but both extremes can hurt you. Move too fast, and you might miss critical details. Move too slow, and someone else will beat you to market. Finding the right balance between attractiveness and feasibility is key.

Solution: Set realistic milestones. Keep momentum but don’t rush. Run the innovation marathon as a sprint.

In the end, mistakes are part of the innovation process. The key is to learn from them and keep pushing forward. Innovate smart, stay flexible, and remember—it’s the journey, not just the destination.

#innovationfailures #innovationpitfalls #innovationmistakes 

You cannot imagine which 10 great innovations originally were rejected …

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us."
Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"I do not believe the introduction of motor-cars will ever affect the riding of horses."
Mr. Scott-Montague, MP, United Kingdom, 1903.

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?"
David Sarnoff's Associates rejecting a proposal for investment in the radio, the 1920s.

"Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?"
H.M. Warner (Warner Brothers) before rejecting a proposal for movies with sound, 1927.

"This is typical Berlin hot air. The product is worthless." Letter sent by Heinrich Dreser, head of Bayer's Pharmacological Institute, rejecting Felix Hoffmann's invention of aspirin.

"Who the hell wants to copy a document on plain paper???" Rejection letter in 1940 to Chester Carlson, inventor of the XEROX machine.

"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible." A Yale university professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. Smith went on to found Federal Express.

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." Ken Olsen, President, Chairman and Founder of Digital Equipment Corp, 1977.

"You want to have consistent and uniform muscle development across all of your muscles? It can't be done. It's just a fact of life."
Rejection letter to Arthur Jones, who invented the Nautilus Fitness Machine.

"So we went to Atari and said, 'Hey, we've got this amazing thing, even built with some of your parts, and what do you think about funding us?' And they said, 'No.' So then we went to Hewlett-Packard, and they said, 'Hey, we don't need you. You haven't got through college yet.'"
Apple Computer Inc. founder Steve Jobs on attempts to get Atari and HP interested in his and Steve Wozniak's personal computers.

Wishing you lots of success with your judgment on innovative ideas,

Gijs

Innovation is often met with skepticism and resistance. Check out ten personal tips how to fix it.

I learned in practice over the last forty years as manager, innovator and design thinker the hard way to navigate the barriers of innovation. As I want you all to become amazing innovators, I love to share ten personal actions to fix all the 'skepticism and resistance to innovation', which will transform all resounding 'NO's' into resounding 'YES's'!

1. Have Courage: Innovation requires the courage to challenge existing norms and take risks. Be bold in your vision and unafraid to pioneer new ideas. Malala Yousafzai, for example,  is an advocate for girls' education who defied the Taliban's ban on girls attending school in her native Swat Valley, Pakistan. Despite facing threats to her life, she continued to speak out and advocate for the rights of girls to receive an education. Her courage earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, making her the youngest-ever Nobel laureate.
2. Love Your Idea (Like a Child): Passion and persistence are essential ingredients for innovation. Treat your idea with the same dedication and care as you would a child, and fight for it. Tracy Chou, a software engineer at Pinterest, played a key role in developing the company's diversity initiatives. She spearheaded efforts to collect and publicly release data on the gender and racial diversity of Pinterest's engineering team, prompting greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry's diversity efforts. Chou's advocacy for diversity and inclusion has had a lasting impact on Pinterest and the broader tech community.
3. Become a Storyteller: Compelling storytelling can captivate audiences and inspire action. Craft a narrative that conveys the essence and impact of your innovation. Airbnb's founders, Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk, and Joe Gebbia, mastered the art of storytelling by sharing personal anecdotes and testimonials, transforming their platform into a global phenomenon by highlighting its unique value proposition.
4. Communicate Your 'Why?': Clearly articulate the purpose and motivation behind your innovation to garner interest and support. Simon Sinek's famous TED Talk on 'Start with Why' emphasizes the importance of defining the underlying purpose of your endeavors. By communicating the 'why' behind your innovation, you can connect with stakeholders on a deeper level, fostering buy-in and enthusiasm.
5. Show Your Will, Passion, and Drive: Consistently demonstrate your commitment to realizing your innovation project. Jeff Bezos' relentless drive and determination propelled Amazon from an online bookstore to a multinational e-commerce giant. His unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and continuous innovation has solidified Amazon's position as a market leader.
6. Proof your Persistence: Highlight your resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and bring your ideas to fruition. The british inventor James Dyson has made 5,127 prototypes of his famous Dual Cyclone bagless vacuum cleaner before settling on the model that would make in a billionaire.
7. Work on Hearts and Minds: Recognize that decisions are often influenced by emotions as well as logic. Appeal to the emotions of decision-makers by aligning your innovation with their values. Indra Nooyi , CEO of PepsiCo, championed the development and launch of PepsiCo's healthier snack and beverage options, such as Baked Lay's and Tropicana Pure Premium. Recognizing shifting consumer preferences towards healthier lifestyles, Nooyi approved these innovations based on her personal commitment to promoting health and wellness. Her emotional connection to the company's mission of "Performance with Purpose" guided her decision-making process.
8. Put Your Team in the Spotlights: Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of your team members, recognizing that innovation is a collaborative effort. While Steve Jobs is known as the visionary behind Apple's iconic products, he frequently emphasized the role of his team in bringing his ideas to life. Jobs was known for surrounding himself with exceptionally talented individuals and empowering them to contribute their expertise to the design and development process. He frequently highlighted the accomplishments of his team members during product launches and in interviews, like chief Design Officer Jonathan Ive, recognizing their pivotal role in Apple's success.
9. Make Things Happen: Action speaks louder than words. Take initiative and execute on your ideas to demonstrate their feasibility and potential impact. The rapid expansion of SpaceX under Elon Musk's leadership exemplifies the importance of execution. By consistently delivering on ambitious goals, SpaceX has revolutionized the aerospace industry and redefined expectations for space exploration.
10. Be Authentic: Build trust with stakeholders by embodying authenticity and integrity in your interactions. A good example is Kevin Systrom, a former Google employee, who co-founded Instagram in 2010. Despite initial skepticism from investors and industry experts about the potential success of a photo-sharing app, Systrom remained authentic in his passion for photography and social networking. He effectively communicated his vision for Instagram as a platform for capturing and sharing moments with friends and family. Systrom's authenticity resonated with C-suite executives and investors, leading to Instagram's rapid growth and eventual acquisition by Facebook for $1 billion.

In conclusion, navigating the challenges of innovation requires a combination of courage, passion, communication, and authenticity. By applying these ten personal tips you, as innovator, can effectively overcome barriers and turn 'NO's' into 'YES's', creating success and growth for yourself and your organization.

Lots of succes!

Gijs

ps. When you want to learn yourself how to double your innovation effectiveness as innovator and innovation consultant ..., then check out a unique 6-day innovation learning experience of the FORTH innovation method, and get certified in Italy June 16-21: https://bit.ly/forth-training

Everybody knows the television show where a jury looks for talent with the X factor, that “certain something" that makes for star quality. As innovators, we are also in search of ideas with the X factor. But when do our ideas have it? Which criteria must an idea meet to give it star quality?

Generally, in this early phase, an idea is little more than a fleeting thought, a word or image whereby we experience a mild ‘we-have-to-do-something-with-this’ sensation. It is only a rough diamond, like most candidates in the first round of the X factor. And there is still a long way to go. An important question is, is it enough to survive the corporate innovation jury?

In my own innovation practice great ideas for innovative products, services or business models have seven characteristics:
1. It is very appealing to customers.
2. It stands out in the market.
3. It has great potential for extra turnover.
4. It has adequate profit potential.
5. It fits management’s business goals.
6. It is (somehow) considered quickly feasible.
7. It has internal support.

Organisations look for fast growth these days. It’s an idea with the X factor if it will bring higher turnover and more profits and, above all, if it is somehow considered to be feasible in the short term.

Ps. I made a methodology twenty years ago that has proven to cocreate brillant ideas combining design thinking and business thinking. It doubles your innovation effectiveness as consultant or corporate innovators. You can learn it too! That’s why I offer you a unique 6-day innovation learning certification opportunity in Milano , in June. Check out this link: https://forth-innovation.learnworlds.com/course/training2024

#innovation #designthinking #ideas

Why people reject your ideas? Watch this TEDx Talk only when you want to stretch your comfort zone …

As innovator you get a lot of NO’s. People are always so critical when you suggest something new. Why?

The big issue though is that, as Peter Drucker already told us in the 1960s, most of your colleagues and managers have been chosen for their ability to do better instead of their courage to do differently.

Your idea is beyond their comfort zone. When do you stretch your comfort zone? You would stretch your comfort zone for your child .. Right?

Ideas are like children.

People reject your idea because it’s the child of the neighbours.

The best way to get your ideas accepted in your organisation is to co-create or we-nnovate, as I like to call it. Because a new idea in an organisation needs the support of a big family to be able to grow up in a decent way.

Watch this TEDx movie now to stretch your comfort zone: https://Why-ideate-together?-GijsvanWulfen-TEDx

Innovators have to be open. They have to be able to imagine things that others cannot. But crucially, they are willing to take social risks to do things that others might disapprove of. You have to stick out your neck. 

When you share your ideas with others you will probably get a lot of negative reactions like: No, it’s always done this way... No, customers won’t like that! No, we don’t have time for this… No, it’s not possible... No, it's too expensive! No, let’s be realistic… No, that’s not logical… No, we need to do more research… No, there's no budget… No, the finance department won’t agree... No, the market is not ready yet... No, it might work in other places but not here... No, that's way too risky... No, it doesn't fit our strategy... No, that’s for the future..

The single biggest obstacle in innovation is one small word: ‘no’. In 1928 it was the famous economist Joseph Schumpeter who wrote, “Successful innovation is a feat not of intellect but of will”. Real innovators turn the ‘Nos’ into ‘Yesses’, as innovation does not stop at the first no; that’s the moment it really starts.

Learn how a remarkable kick-off can spark corporate innovation, by checking out ten critical success factors at the start of your innovation journey …

Corporate innovation has become imperative for staying ahead of the curve. However, embarking on an innovation journey is not merely about having groundbreaking ideas; it's about executing them effectively. 

And every successful corporate innovation project invariably commences with a stellar kick-off. This pivotal event sets the tone, lays the foundation, and rallies the team towards a common goal. But what distinguishes a great kick-off from a mediocre one? I just started an adventurous innovation journey for the Dutch Media Institute ‘Sound&Vision’ creating new offerings in education last week, with the proven FORTH Innovation Methodology. And we have a marvelous kick-off. 

Let's delve into the 10 critical success factors that underpin a remarkable kick-off for corporate innovation.

1. A Clear Innovation Direction

Clarity is paramount when initiating any innovation endeavor. A well-defined innovation direction provides a roadmap, guiding the team towards specific objectives and desired outcomes. It articulates the organization's vision, mission, and strategic goals, ensuring alignment and focus right from the outset. 

That’s why we drafted a concrete innovation assignment to get clarity on ‘The North Star’ for the journey.

2. A Team Across All Silos

Effective innovation thrives on diversity and collaboration. Bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and departments fosters cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives. Breaking down silos encourages interdisciplinary thinking and enhances the richness of solutions generated during the innovation process. 

As Sound&Vision is a matrix-organisation, we connect around 25 people to our innovation journey, to have all disciplines on-board.

3. A Proven Innovation Methodology

Success leaves clues, and leveraging a proven innovation methodology offers a structured approach to ideation, experimentation, and implementation. Whether it's Design Thinking, Lean Startup, or Agile, having a well-established framework provides a systematic way to navigate the complexities of innovation and drive tangible results.

We apply the proven FORTH innovation methodology which combines business thinking and design thinking in a structured journey of 15 weeks as of thr kick-off delivering concrete new business for innovation.

4. Top Management’s Presence

Leadership endorsement is instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation within an organization. When top management actively participates in the kick-off event, it sends a powerful message of support and commitment. Their presence not only reinforces the importance of the initiative but also instills confidence and motivation among team members.

In our innovation journey at Sound&Vision both the CEO and the deputy CEO are closely connected and participate fully in the most important creative - and business workshops.

5. A Safe Psychological Environment

Innovation flourishes in an environment where individuals feel psychologically safe to express their thoughts, share bold ideas, and take calculated risks without fear of judgment or repercussion. Cultivating a culture of psychological safety encourages creativity, promotes open communication, and empowers team members to push boundaries and explore innovative solutions.

It was great to observe in our kick-off that all people participated without hesitation, even with the CEO in the room, whom they don’t meet a lot.

6. An Informal Atmosphere

Formality can stifle creativity and inhibit free-flowing ideation. Creating an informal atmosphere during the kick-off event fosters a relaxed environment conducive to brainstorming, experimentation, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether it's through icebreaker activities, casual discussions, or interactive workshops, setting a laid-back tone encourages participants to engage more freely and creatively.

The creative venue, with only chairs (no tables) sparked an informal atmosphere at our kick-off which co-created the psychological safe environment.

7. A Learning Mindset

Embracing a learning mindset is essential for fostering continuous improvement and adaptation throughout the innovation journey. Encouraging curiosity, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and promoting a growth mindset cultivates an environment where innovation thrives. By prioritizing learning and development, teams remain agile, resilient, and receptive to new ideas and approaches.

We stimulated an open mindset, sharing notebooks for the journey to pencil down new insights and ideas.

8. Tolerance for Different Views

Innovation is fueled by diverse perspectives and alternative viewpoints. Embracing a culture of inclusivity and tolerance for different views encourages constructive debate, sparks creativity, and stimulates innovative thinking. By valuing and respecting diverse opinions, teams can leverage the collective wisdom and harness the power of varied experiences to drive innovation forward.

In my opening speech as expert-facilitator I stressed that really new solutions in every market are always ‘at the end of your comfort zone’, making a plea for tolerance. 

9. Team Buy-In to the Goal

Alignment and buy-in are essential for driving innovation initiatives forward. Ensuring that every team member understands and commits to the overarching goal fosters cohesion, collaboration, and accountability. By fostering a shared sense of purpose and ownership, teams are more motivated and empowered to overcome challenges, iterate on ideas, and drive meaningful outcomes.

That’s why, after explaining the North star of our journey, we ask the participants to sign the innovation assignment as a sign of commitment, which is always a great ritual at the kick-off.

10. Personal Interest

Passion fuels innovation. Encouraging individuals to pursue projects and ideas they are genuinely passionate about cultivates intrinsic motivation and creativity. When team members are personally invested in the innovation process, they are more likely to go above and beyond, persist in the face of obstacles, and deliver impactful results.

So be sure to check their personal interest, when you invite them to board the team. A great way to do this is to claim their full participation, being a participant in every workshop, without exception.

In conclusion, a successful corporate innovation project hinges on a great kick-off that embodies these 10 critical success factors, as we experienced at the start of our FORTH innovation journey at the Sound&Vision Institute. 

By establishing a clear direction, fostering collaboration, embracing proven methodologies, and nurturing a supportive environment, organizations can ignite the spark of innovation and propel their initiatives towards success. With top management's endorsement, a safe psychological environment, and an informal atmosphere, coupled with a learning mindset, tolerance for different views, and team buy-in to the goal, fueled by personal interest, organizations can lay the groundwork for transformative innovation.

Ps. Reach out to me when you want to know more about the proven FORTH innovation method or you like to learn how I can help you as innovation facilitator or speaker.

#innovation #forthinnovationmethod #speaker

As managers, I know it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of your organisation. We’re constantly focused on meeting deadlines, hitting targets, and solving immediate problems. But in the midst of all this, we often overlook one of the greatest sources of inspiration for innovation: our children (or grandchildren).

Think about it…

Children approach the world with boundless curiosity, unbridled creativity, and fearless experimentation. They’re not afraid to ask “why” or to try new things simply because they’ve never been done before. As managers, there’s a lot we can learn from our kids when it comes to fostering a culture of innovation in our organisations.

So, here are 10 lessons in creativity and innovation that your children can teach you:

1. Embrace Curiosity: Children are naturally curious beings. They ask endless questions and are always eager to learn new things. As managers, we should encourage this same curiosity among our teams. Encourage them to ask questions, explore new ideas, and never settle for the status quo.

2. Encourage Playfulness: Children approach play with a sense of joy and abandon. They’re not afraid to make mistakes or look silly in the pursuit of fun. As managers, we should create a playful ‘psychological safe’ environment where employees feel free to experiment, take risks, and think outside the box.

3. Foster Imagination: Children have vivid imaginations that allow them to see possibilities where others see limitations. As managers, we should encourage our teams to dream big and think creatively. Create space for brainstorming sessions, idea incubators, and creative workshops where imagination can flourish.

4. Embrace Failure: Children aren’t afraid to fail because they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. As managers, we should embrace failure as a natural part of the innovation process. Encourage experimentation, celebrate risk-taking, and create a safe space for employees to fail fast and fail forward.

5. Promote Collaboration: Children thrive in collaborative environments where they can bounce ideas off of each other and co-create new worlds. As managers, we should promote a culture of collaboration where teams work together across departments, disciplines, and hierarchies to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

6. Nurture Empathy: Children have an innate sense of empathy that allows them to see the world from others’ perspectives. As managers, we should nurture empathy among our teams by encouraging them to listen deeply, seek feedback, and truly understand the needs and desires of our customers and stakeholders.

7. Embrace Diversity: Children are naturally drawn to people who are different from themselves because they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. As managers, we should embrace diversity in all its forms – gender, race, ethnicity, age, background, and thought – because diverse teams are more innovative and better equipped to solve complex problems.

8. Celebrate Curiosity: Children love to celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. As managers, we should celebrate curiosity and innovation in our organizations by recognizing and rewarding employees who go above and beyond to think creatively, challenge the status quo, and drive meaningful change.

9. Lead by Example: Children learn by watching and imitating the adults in their lives. As managers, we should lead by example by demonstrating our own curiosity, creativity, and willingness to take risks. Be open to new ideas, embrace change, and show your team that innovation starts at the top.

10. Never Stop Learning: Finally, children are lifelong learners who approach each day with a sense of wonder and possibility. As managers, we should never stop learning and growing ourselves. Invest in ongoing training and development opportunities for your team, encourage a culture of continuous improvement, and stay curious about the world around you.

By embracing these 10 lessons from your children, you can unlock a world of innovation in your organization. So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, take a cue from your kids and approach the problem with fresh eyes, boundless curiosity, and a sense of playful experimentation. Who knows what new ideas you might uncover and what great heights your organization might reach as a result?

Historically, German car manufacturers BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes—were synonymous with innovation and quality in the automotive sector. However, their hesitancy to fully embrace electric vehicles allowed Tesla, and notably Chinese car makers, to seize the reins of the rapidly growing EV market.

In 2006, Elon Musk outlined his mission for becoming the market leader with electric cars. He started with luxury cars to generate revenue, then introduced high-quality mid-range vehicles and finally brought a vehicle onto the market at a particularly low price that no other could match. Tesla plans to increase production capacity in Berlin to one million cars per year in the future and will soon bring a €25,000 electric vehicle onto the market, which will be a game changer.

While Tesla aggressively pursued electric vehicle technology, German automakers initially hesitated, focusing on their successful lines of internal combustion engine vehicles. This delay, in part, was influenced by concerns about the feasibility of EVs, charging infrastructure, and potential cannibalization of their existing profitable products. But above all it gad to do with taking risks.

I like to quote the CEO of BMW AG, the German luxury car producer, Dr.-Ing. Norbert Reithofer, from an article exactly ten years ago. When asked why BMW started the risky E-car project with the BMWi-3 and i-8 he responded very honest: "Because doing nothing was a bigger risk ..." [Autoweek 41-2013].

As the world witnessed a paradigm shift towards sustainable mobility, Tesla and Chinese EV manufacturers surged ahead, capturing market share and establishing themselves as leaders in the electric vehicle space. Recent data reveals a significant disparity in electric vehicle sales, with Tesla dominating the global market, and Chinese brands making substantial inroads. In Germany, the ramp-up of e-mobility is slowing down - and China is increasingly dominating with brands like NIO, BYD, Geely, XPeng Motors, Li Auto and GWM.

The Chinese are already leading the way as you can see below

Global Electric Vehicle Sales (2022):

• Chinese EV Brands: 38.4%
• Tesla: 16.2%
• BMW: 7.6%
• Volkswagen: 5.9%
• Mercedes: 4.2%

(Data source: International Energy Agency, 2022)

Lessons Learned

The German automotive giants' experience serves as a cautionary tale. To navigate 'The Innovator's Dilemma,' you must be proactive in embracing disruptive innovations, even if it means challenging their existing successful paradigms and taking risks. In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, early adoption and innovation proved to be decisive factors in building market leadership.

Are you proactive in innovation in the markets which you are leading for a long time …?

Innovative regards,

Gijs van Wulfen

Global Speaker on Innovation, Founder FORTH innovation method, LinkedIn Influencer 300.000+, Author of Management Book of the Year, Milano, Italy

Here’s a list of 150 AI-powered products and services ….

1. AI-powered virtual assistant
2. AI-powered language translation service
3. AI-powered smart home devices
4. AI-powered medical diagnosis software
5. AI-powered customer service chatbots
6. AI-powered recommendation engines
7. AI-powered content creation tools
8. AI-powered cybersecurity solutions
9. AI-powered financial forecasting software
10. AI-powered personalized shopping experiences
11. AI-powered autonomous vehicles
12. AI-powered fraud detection systems
13. AI-powered social media analytics tools
14. AI-powered virtual reality experiences
15. AI-powered energy management systems
16. AI-powered weather prediction models
17. AI-powered talent recruitment platforms
18. AI-powered language learning apps
19. AI-powered sentiment analysis tools
20. AI-powered supply chain optimization software
21. AI-powered personalized healthcare solutions
22. AI-powered image recognition technology
23. AI-powered content moderation tools
24. AI-powered investment portfolio management
25. AI-powered music composition software
26. AI-powered predictive maintenance systems
27. AI-powered emotion recognition software
28. AI-powered plagiarism detection tools
29. AI-powered inventory management systems
30. AI-powered video editing software
31. AI-powered speech recognition technology
32. AI-powered medical imaging analysis
33. AI-powered recommendation platforms for movies
34. AI-powered agricultural monitoring systems
35. AI-powered personalized fitness coaching
36. AI-powered autonomous drones
37. AI-powered facial recognition technology
38. AI-powered data analytics platforms
39. AI-powered adaptive learning systems
40. AI-powered virtual try-on solutions for fashion
41. AI-powered augmented reality applications
42. AI-powered personalized news aggregators
43. AI-powered predictive maintenance for machinery
44. AI-powered smart traffic management systems
45. AI-powered automated content curation tools
46. AI-powered inventory optimization software
47. AI-powered automated transcription services
48. AI-powered personalized marketing platforms
49. AI-powered autonomous delivery robots
50. AI-powered investment advisory services
51. AI-powered personalized recipe recommendations
52. AI-powered real-time language translation devices
53. AI-powered virtual event platforms
54. AI-powered autonomous sailing vessels
55. AI-powered personalized skincare analysis
56. AI-powered virtual interior design services
57. AI-powered voice-controlled smart assistants
58. AI-powered personalized travel recommendations
59. AI-powered automated essay grading systems
60. AI-powered predictive analytics for sports
61. AI-powered personalized financial advice platforms
62. AI-powered virtual fitting rooms for fashion
63. AI-powered personalized meal planning apps
64. AI-powered automated fraud prevention systems
65. AI-powered virtual health assistants
66. AI-powered autonomous warehouse robots
67. AI-powered personalized language tutoring apps
68. AI-powered virtual try-on for eyewear
69. AI-powered automated contract analysis tools
70. AI-powered personalized career coaching
71. AI-powered personalized insurance recommendations
72. AI-powered virtual tutoring services
73. AI-powered autonomous lawn mowers
74. AI-powered automated email response systems
75. AI-powered personalized investment portfolios
76. AI-powered personalized pet care recommendations
77. AI-powered autonomous security drones
78. AI-powered personalized mental health counseling
79. AI-powered automated resume screening tools
80. AI-powered personalized home decor suggestions
81. AI-powered autonomous floor cleaning robots
82. AI-powered personalized parenting advice platforms
83. AI-powered automated medical coding systems
84. AI-powered personalized nutrition planning
85. AI-powered virtual fashion stylists
86. AI-powered autonomous farming equipment
87. AI-powered personalized productivity coaching
88. AI-powered automated sentiment analysis for social media
89. AI-powered personalized interior design recommendations
90. AI-powered virtual fashion designers
91. AI-powered personalized car insurance suggestions
92. AI-powered autonomous vacuum cleaners
93. AI-powered personalized career development platforms
94. AI-powered automated customer feedback analysis
95. AI-powered personalized gardening advice
96. AI-powered virtual travel agents
97. AI-powered personalized wedding planning assistance
98. AI-powered autonomous aerial drones
99. AI-powered personalized skincare routines
100. AI-powered automated legal document review
101. AI-powered personalized mindfulness meditation
102. AI-powered virtual pet trainers
103. AI-powered autonomous warehouse management
104. AI-powered personalized home renovation advice
105. AI-powered automated medical billing systems
106. AI-powered personalized language translation devices
107. AI-powered virtual pet sitters
108. AI-powered autonomous inventory drones
109. AI-powered personalized wardrobe management
110. AI-powered automated invoice processing
111. AI-powered personalized financial literacy training
112. AI-powered virtual garden planners
113. AI-powered autonomous warehouse logistics
114. AI-powered personalized fashion trend analysis
115. AI-powered automated contract generation
116. AI-powered personalized sleep coaching
117. AI-powered virtual party planners
118. AI-powered autonomous inventory robots
119. AI-powered personalized fashion styling services
120. AI-powered automated patient scheduling systems
121. AI-powered personalized beauty product recommendations
122. AI-powered virtual event planners
123. AI-powered autonomous delivery vehicles
124. AI-powered personalized travel itinerary planning
125. AI-powered automated property valuation
126. AI-powered personalized cooking instruction apps
127. AI-powered virtual home organization assistants
128. AI-powered autonomous package delivery drones
129. AI-powered personalized meal delivery services
130. AI-powered automated investment portfolio rebalancing
131. AI-powered virtual personal shopping assistants
132. AI-powered autonomous inventory management robots
133. AI-powered personalized travel packing lists
134. AI-powered automated expense tracking
135. AI-powered virtual personal trainers
136. AI-powered autonomous inventory management drones
137. AI-powered personalized event planning services
138. AI-powered virtual wardrobe consultants
139. AI-powered automated financial planning
140. AI-powered personalized grocery shopping recommendations
141. AI-powered virtual closet organizers
142. AI-powered autonomous inventory management systems
143. AI-powered personalized vacation planning services
144. AI-powered virtual style advisors
145. AI-powered automated budgeting tools
146. AI-powered personalized fitness workout plans
147. AI-powered virtual party organizers
148. AI-powered autonomous inventory management solutions
149. AI-powered personalized meal kit subscriptions
150. AI-powered virtual fashion consultants

And of course 151. AI-powered blog posts .

Most of these AI products, and thousands more, are becoming reality now or within three years, I predict.

In applying our FORTH Innovation Method to generate new innovations with corporate clients generative AI is adding value in twenty five ways, during our innovation journey.

How's generative AI empowering your offerings to your clients?

The most common mistake is to make one person or a small group responsible for innovation. That's strangles innovation slowly as the following happens:

The director calls everyone together for an announcement. “We have to innovate! And you know what? John will be our new innovation director. Please give him all your support”. The rest of the team then wishes John good luck and sits back awaiting his plans and initiatives. But that year John will never achieve the desired results, as he came up with great ideas all right, but nothing materialized. And that’s what innovation actually means: transforming ideas into reality. The rest of the organization wass focusing on the short term, way to busy to spend time and money on John’s ideas for the future.

The most common mistake is to monopolize innovation, as you can’t innovate alone. You can only innovate together.

The secret sauce is to create collective ownership for innovation and start to We-nnovate, instead of I-nnovate. 

The WIPO presented the Global Innovation Index 2023 ranking 132 countries on their innovation capabilities. "Two promising innovation waves are making their presence felt across economies and societies: a digital innovation wave, built on artificial intelligence (AI), supercomputing and automation, and a deep science innovation wave, based on biotechnologies and nanotechnologies.

Many of the key indicators of technological progress are trending positively. Computing power continues to increase in line with Moore’s Law. Green supercomputing is becoming more efficient. Renewable energy is increasingly affordable. And the cost of genome sequencing continues to decline. Spurred on by the scale of the possibilities before us, top corporate R&D expenditure exceeded USD 1 trillion for the first time last year, with ICT firms the primary drivers", according to the WIPO.

Switzerland is for a 13th year the most innovative country of the world

Switzerland – for a 13th year – ranks first in the GII 2023. Sweden is now 2nd and the United States 3rd, followed by the United Kingdom (4th) and Singapore (5th), which enters the top 5.

Finland (6th) moves closer to the top 5, and every other Nordic (Denmark 9th and Sweden) and Baltic (Estonia, 16th, Lithuania 34th and Latvia 37th) economy is also on an upward trend, except for Iceland, which stays stable at 20th position.

China – still the sole middle-income economy within the GII top 30, having entered the top echelon in 2014 – is ranked 12th in GII2023, while Japan is 13th. Israel (14th) makes it into the top 15. Saudi Arabia (48th), Brazil (49th) and Qatar (50th) make it into the top 50, and South Africa (59th) into the top 60. Indonesia (61st) joins China, Türkiye (39th), India (40th), Viet Nam (46th), the Philippines (56th), and the Islamic Republic of Iran (62nd) in the group of middle-income economies within the GII top 65. This is the group that has climbed the GII rankings fastest over the last decade.

Outside the top 65 but within the top 100, the following middle- and low-income countries have progressed the most – by more than 20 ranks – within the last decade: Morocco (70th), Uzbekistan (82nd), Egypt (86th) and Pakistan (88th). In the last four years, and since the pandemic started, Mauritius (57th), Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Pakistan have risen the most in rank (in order of rank progression).

Brazil and Singapore are new innovation leaders in their regions

Below you can see the top three economies by region. Both Brazil and Singapore are new innovation leaders in their region in 2023.

What strikes me personally is that a country Like Japan, which is with the Tokyo-Yokohama region the number one Science & Technology Cluster in the world is not even in the top 3 countries in their region, and ranked number 13 in the global index of 2013. It's proof that great inventors do not have to be great innovators.

So, how did your country score? And are you happy with that? Start contributing to help your economic region be a better innovator for a better world!

Innovative regards from Milano,

Gijs

LinkedIn TopVoice, Founder FORTH Innovation Institute, Keynote Speaker

Did you ever wondered why improvement beats Innovation every time?

Check it out …


In the board room at moments of decision making by risk-avoiding top managers, improvement beats innovation. That's why Operational Excellence, Lean and Six Sigma got so popular. Effective innovators have to pick the right moment: when ‘doing nothing is a bigger risk’. 

Read here why ....

Innovation is a vague word. Everybody agrees that is all about something new. But wait until you ask "what do you mean by new....?" Let's take as example the iPhone of Apple. Which of the following 10 new iPhones of Apple do you consider an innovation?

1.    the first iPhone: June 2007
2.    iPhone 3G: with 3G en gps.
3.    iPhone 3Gs: with video.
4.    iPhone 4: with a modern design and a lot more pixels.
5.    iPhone 4S: with an improved camera and ‘Siri’, the digital assistent.
6.    iPhone 5: with a large screen and lighter aluminium cover.
7.    iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c: with cosmetic changes and ‘touch-identification’.
8.    iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: with a modern design and in a larger version.
9.    iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus: with some small improvements.
10. iPhone SE: smaller and a bit less expensive.


Well? I think that only the first iPhone is an innovation. All other 9 iPhones are improvements of the original. In my view there are clear differences between improving and innovating.

Innovation versus Improvement
1. discontinuous versus continuous;
2. 'in jumps' versus 'in steps';
3. 'uncertain outcome' versus 'certain outcome';
4. 'in all directions' versus 'straight ahead'.
5. 'vague and iterative' versus 'clearly structured'.
6. 'high risk' versus 'low risk'.
7. 'big investment in time and money' versus 'small investment in time and money'.
8. 'for the day after tomorrow' versus 'for tomorrow'.

You innovate in high risk jumps, and you improve in small steps according to a planned process with a clear goal. With a small investment and a little chance of failure, you attain an almost certain outcome on short term. Real innovation happens now and then. It's often a vague iterative process with an uncertain outcome on longer term. Innovation demands a bigger investment, both in time and money, while you are not sure what will materialise in the end. 

Lots of organisation have started continuous improvement programmes. They are using 'Lean' and 'Six Sigma' successfully making small steps with little uncertainty. And that's what we like. Improvement is very popular and beats innovation.

The origin of all the opposition to innovation is that in essence most people and companies avoid risks. Moving beyond what they normally do makes them uncertain. In my keynote soeeches on innovation I ask, “Who of you wants to be an innovator?”. Most hands go up in the air. When I follow up with, “Who of you wants to run a personal risk?” a lot of those hands go back down. For corporate innovators it’s very frustrating when you’ve been assigned to come up with great new ideas only to see nothing materialize because the same managers who gave you your assignment say ‘no’ to every idea, business case or prototype you present. The reason why so few real innovations hit the market is that people are risk averse. Most of us, also your leaders, will approve real innovations when we are aware that improvements cannot generate any growth anymore. 

I like to quote the CEO of BMW AG, the German luxury car producer, Dr.-Ing. Norbert Reithofer. When asked why BMW started the risky E-car project with the BMWi-3 and i-8 he responded very honest: "Because doing nothing was even a bigger risk". 

As effective innovator, you have to pick your moment. There are two sweet spots when innovation can beat improvement.

In practice, I see those who want to innovate and those who need to innovate. I call those who want to innovate the active innovators and the ones who need to innovate the passive innovators. As you can see in the chart their roles are defined by the moments they really innovate their business. Every company, business unit or product has its lifecycle of introduction, growth, maturity and decline.

Active innovators, who want to innovate, give innovation priority at the end of the growth stage. Before they reach maturity they want to innovate, often for several reasons simultaneously: 
• To keep their revenue stream growing;
• To maintain an innovative mindset;
• To boost internal entrepreneurship (intrapreneurship);
• To address changing needs and wants of customers;
• To lead in technology;
• To expand their business by new business models, distribution channels and customer groups;
• To anticipate on new governmental regulations or a market liberalization.

Reactive innovators, on the contrary, wait. They wait until they get hit by a crisis, their markets saturate or get disrupted by new technologies and/or business models. They reorganize, lay-off people and prioritize innovation only at the start of their decline stage when they need to innovate. They need to innovate most often with only one goal in mind: to stop revenues and profits from falling and build a new future for their organization.

Both types of innovators have their own challenges. The good news for active innovators is that there are plenty of resources available as the company is doing well at the end of the growth stage. Their challenge is to cope with a lack of urgency at the operational level of the organization: “Why should we innovate? We’re damn busy and doing great!” The good news for the reactive innovators is that there’s great urgency also at the operational level of the organization, as there’s often been a collective layoff due to the business slow-down. Their challenge is compounded by both a lack of resources and a lack of time, as they will have to move quickly.

The central question is not if you should innovate. It’s WHEN and HOW you start and lead innovation effectively. My tip for you personally is to pick the moment innovation has a chance to beat improvement.

Wishing you lots of success on your innovation journeys. Innovative regards from Milano,

Gijs van Wulfen

LinkedIn Influencer
Global speaker on innovation
Founder FORTH innovation methodology

Location: Milan, Italy    Fees: 95.000

Service Type: Service Offered

Location: Milan, Italy    Fees: 10.000

Service Type: Service Offered