Do You Really Need an Internal Innovation Unit?
Do companies really need internal innovation units in times where industry after industry has begun embracing open or external innovation?
The question was triggered by comments made to a couple of my recent blog posts. It did not take much reflection. Of course, we need internal innovation units as they deliver value by themselves and since they hold key future roles as facilitators and integrators of internal and external contributions.
A quick note on this is that companies need to establish systems and processes that allow and judge internal and external innovation opportunities on equal terms.
So yes, we do need internal innovation units, but it is fair to question what they should look like and what functions they should perform. Things are changing fast on the outside and this need to be reflected on the inside organization and structure as well.
What are your views on this?
Don’t miss an article (2,600+) – Subscribe to our RSS feed and join our Innovation Excellence group!
Stefan Lindegaard is a speaker, network facilitator and strategic advisor who focus on the topics of open innovation, intrapreneurship and how to identify and develop the people who drive innovation
NEVER MISS ANOTHER NEWSLETTER!
LATEST BLOGS
Three things you didn’t know about credit cards
Photo by Ales Nesetril on Unsplash Many of us use credit cards regularly. From using them for everyday purchases to…
Read More
Five CV skills of a business-minded individual
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash The skills listed on a CV help employers quickly understand your suitability for a…
Read MoreNo Comments
Leave a Comment
I am at a loss at what real value this is bringing to any debate on innovation units
“So yes, we do need internal innovation units, but it is fair to question what they should look like and what functions they should perform. Things are changing fast on the outside and this need to be reflected on the inside organization and structure as well.”
Here is one thought
https://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/wordpress/2011/02/growing-imperative-for-dedicated-innovation-scientists-and-engineers/
Here is another thought
https://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/wordpress/2011/03/get-ready-to-accelerate-the-innovation-profession/
Another
https://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/wordpress/2011/02/removing-legacy-from-your-innovation-systems/
and finally
https://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/wordpress/2011/04/the-narrow-innovation-pathway/
Innovation unit like connect & develop team at P&G seem highly valuable, looking for external know-how and facilitating synchronization with the inside. I like also when innovation unit is connected to business growth in a same mission statement. I think also of innovation units making internal know-how valuabble in the outside market.
Another question might be: in this time of cooperative innvation, do we need to adapt the staffing of internal R&D, do we need different skills to develop R&D in this open environment?
https://nbry.wordpress.com/