Despite good intentions—and widespread acceptance of the importance of innovation—efforts to innovate at large companies often lack a clear mission and framework, and as a result, they go off the rails.
Two Questions to Ask Before You Set Up an Innovation Unit
First, how centralized should it be?
July 20, 2018
Summary.
By answering two simple questions, companies can determine how to set up their innovation unit. Is the Corporate Innovation Unit a “facilitator” within the company or is the “owner” of innovation initiatives? How centralized is the Innovation Unit? Combining these two dimensions — Type of Support and Level of Centralization – leads to a 2×2 matrix with four quadrants, each representing a different archetype (although hybrid models are possible).
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New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.