When it comes to new ideas, are you a leader and first to adopt, are you late, or will you never? It’s useful to revisit core concepts from time to time because you can see it in new light under different circumstances. I was visiting Cambridge university earlier this week when this concept first touched
In this series of articles we have built a case that large organizations should now focus their innovation efforts on correctly organizing their Innovation Front End – the place which is inherently ambiguous, but also the region of greatest potential. The term “Fuzzy Front-End” (FFE) refers to the early innovation phase where “fuzzy” refers to
In this series of articles I’ve built a case that large organizations should now focus their innovation efforts on correctly organizing their Innovation Front End – the place which is inherently ambiguous, but also the region of greatest potential. The term “Fuzzy Front-End” (FFE) refers to the early innovation phase where “fuzzy” refers to the
In the last article, I suggested that the size of the R&D budget does not guarantee success – that is business financial results – from innovation activities. Clearly, some industries require a large R&D spend, such as in defence or life sciences. But we know that there is something more than only spending that determines
…about where to focus your efforts. Pity the corporate innovator. Not only have large companies become more complicated on the inside when separated by geography, corporate initiatives and the beloved SBU. But on the outside the external world has become swamped with challenges and opportunities, from “big data” to new technologies and hyper-segmented markets. At
For some, you are already sorted when it comes to innovation and you’re already doing everything you can to get and stay ahead. You’ve achieved the position that many wish for and strive for. Take a moment to congratulate yourselves as innovation leaders in your field! But many companies strive to do better – the
The Economist (11th April 2015) laments the woeful skills shortage gap in the UK. After years of underinvestment, policy failure and general shifts in attitudes away from science and engineering subjects, we’re about to get what we wished for. Careful now. The UK produces 25000 engineering graduates a year and despite some recent successes to
I like to listen to interesting speakers do their thing – you can really learn from their wisdom. As Steven Covey would advise – sharpen your saw… So I was thrilled to listen to Gerry Johnson at Lancaster University Management School yesterday evening. If you don’t know, he’s the one of Johnson and Scholes fame
Today, System Growth Consulting completed our registration as business coaches to SMEs seeking innovation through the Horizon 2020 dedicated SME instument. We are a dedicated technology and innovation management consultancy ideally suited to high-growth companies who see the value of science and technology to develop their new products processes and services. For those of you
Leadership is one a 5 key elements of our Growth Engine Model. Leadership custom and practice has been found to play a critical role in creating the environment and incentives for enabling the shift from good-to-great innovation performance. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Companies and economies are constantly looking for ways to boost their financial returns. Today, innovation