Best innovators develop a point of view on the future and a roadmap on how to get there

Abstract

Purpose

The authors have collected key insights from the Best Innovator competition, launched in 2003. Six early-stage practices are critical.

Design/methodology/approach

The Best Innovator competition, annual benchmarking against the best in innovation management, focuses on the how-to of innovation and examines what leading companies are doing to achieve better yield with their innovation strategies.

Findings

By studying the competition winners, the researchers found a strong correlation between specific innovation management practices and sustainable, profitable growth.

Practical implications

Best Innovators establish explicit expectations for making the business case for innovation. They name a specific set of deliverables to which they are committed.

Originality/value

The article offers specific guidelines for setting the stage for continuous innovation that results in profitable offerings and services.

Citation

Engel, K., Dirlea, V., Dyer, S. and Graff, J. (2015), "Best innovators develop a point of view on the future and a roadmap on how to get there", Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 15-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-01-2015-0004