Mind The Gap!
How do we secure not to create gaps in our innovation efforts ?
Most companies will claim that they run continuous innovation as they are constantly seeking to improve, enhance and strengthen their key competencies and products…However, they mostly do not draw a line between continuous innovation and the opposite; discontinuous innovation, but rather see both as an outcome of keeping up an innovative culture amongst employees, and maintaining an R&D function.
They more or less see the continuous part as something they expect from employees – and the discontinuous as a kind of “stroke of luck” factor.
Indeed many are focussing on discontinuous innovation, seeking the “game changing” product or service that will create or change an industry, and in the quest for that, the continuous part is being left a side without funds, tools and encouragement – and vice versa!
So whether you are focussing on continuous or discontinuous innovation, you will likely – and unwillingly – create a dangerous gap between the two! How is this gap identified ?
- insufficient funding for both
- lack of commitment hence no clear strategies
- “tug of war” effect between continuos and discontinuous “believers”
- “blurred” measurements of effects
- “biased” driven innovation
Some has come to the conclusion to put all the eggs in one basket – only focussing on one method, thereby leaving out the benefits/risks of the other. This could sound like a sensible decision, but mostly its due to the fact that they have given up in trying to close the gap. Some might agree and some might disagree of my description of this gap, however it is my strong believe that everyone working with innovation has experienced this!
Whats the cure !?
Firstly you need to realize the presence of the gap…Then you should decide whether to close it! (If things are running smoothly – why close it?) Now that you`ve realized the gap, try to understand why it´s there….and even more important; what are the impacts ?
The far worst impact you might discover is that the gap actually is a “no mans land”, where results from both the continuous innovation efforts and the ditto discontinuous, is residing, and not getting any further ! Simply because the brilliant new product idea from R&D has`nt made grounds with sales and marketing, and the cost saving suggestions from HR did`nt make impact as they weren’t picked up by management….If above are your findings, you will actually find yourself in quite a good position;
1. You discovered the gap!
2. You are now capable of redesigning your approach!
3. You can prove the urgency in doing it!
Whether the gap has evolved from lack of funding, poor collaboration, blurred strategies, bad management ect. – you will be able to solidly determine where your efforts have failed – and why!
Actually, a frequent “gap check” is recommended as any innovation strategy do develop gaps sooner or later!
continuous innovation – n : modest, gradational, ongoing upgrades or enhancements of existing technologies or products; continuous innovation generally does not fundamentally change the dynamics of an industry, nor does it typically require end users to change behavior. The opposite of continuous innovation is discontinuous innovation, also known as disruptive innovation.
