Photo: Chris Sardegna@unsplash.com

These days, you rarely find an organisation worldwide where innovation is not part of leadership’s mantra. Yet the time and resources dedicated to it are far less than other disciplines, like quality and customer service.

The challenge is that innovation is (will always be) a leap into the unknown that rarely brings immediate measurable results. To successfully implement and run an idea management programme across borders, start by making sure you get leadership fully engaged – CEO, Executive Committee, business unit leaders.

Focus on addressing their business concerns and challenges and educating them on the topic of innovation. Show, as well, how innovation will deliver results to your global and local business challenges. In other words: Get their commitment and engagement, not just sponsorship and involvement.

Make also sure they are aware of both the tangible and intangible outcomes, that expectations are clearly negotiated ahead. No oneyear innovation plan should be put forward, as it is too easy to be shut down by short-term results oriented executives.

In a multinational setting, you will need time to grow and expand your efforts. Innovation demands resilience, and both top-down and bottom-up support.

So, when developing your innovation programme across borders remember first to:
#Get leadership’s active engagement, not just sponsorship
#Take a leap of faith and be resilient

Pedro do Carmo Costa, Exago’s director and co-founder
pcc@exago.com

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FROM THE START:
Innovation programme across borders: 10 best practices to make it work