Following CRM and HRIS, the “next big thing” is a unified innovation management solution, designed to handle every stage of innovation at the right pace. Recent discussions with our clients and ecosystem highlight a clear demand for a platform that seamlessly integrates ideation, evaluation, deployment, and management—offering streamlined oversight and a more measurable return on investment (ROI).
Accelerating the implementation of innovation at scale: from ideation to portfolio management with an all-in-one solution
In an environment where innovation is not only a lever of competitiveness, but also a necessity to meet market expectations, large companies must constantly optimize their innovation processes. However, many decision-makers face structural challenges when it comes to steering innovation, particularly in the management of ideas, the selection of relevant projects and their deployment. This is where an all-in-one software suite can play a key role, by promoting a smooth and efficient process, from ideation to execution.
A single platform to centralize innovation
In conversations with innovation directors, a recurring challenge stands out: capturing and valuing ideas from diverse sources—whether from employees, startups, or students. While this variety of input is undeniably valuable, without a structured tool, it can quickly become overwhelming. An integrated platform allows for centralized idea management, creating a clear framework for collective assessment.
For instance, a company we collaborated with used a platform to gather over 1,500 employee ideas in just six months. With the tool’s collaborative filtering and evaluation process, they identified 200 promising projects, 20 of which advanced to pilot stage.
Simplify the selection and management of innovation portfolios
One of the common mistakes I see is the dispersion of innovation management tools. Large companies often find themselves using multiple systems to manage ideas, evaluate them, select the best ones, and manage projects once launched. This not only complicates data management, but also hinders the rapid implementation of projects.
An integrated software solution can bring all these steps together in a continuous and agile flow. Let’s take the example of a large industrial group with which we collaborated. In the space of two years, they saw their capacity to launch pilot projects double, going from 10 to 25 projects per year, while reducing implementation time by 30%. This type of tool also makes it possible to track each innovation project as a portfolio, a bit like a CRM, thus providing global and long-term visibility.
Fostering engagement and amplifying ideas for meaningful impact
An innovation platform’s greatest strength lies in boosting engagement across all stakeholders. By enabling collective input, it sparks a flow of ideas not just internally but also from external sources like startups and students. This openness to outside innovation is now widely seen as a powerful driver of transformation.
In 2023, for instance, a banking firm used such a platform to partner with 12 startups, integrating three of them into a co-development program. This approach not only fosters diverse ideas but also speeds up large-scale innovation deployment.
Tracking innovation over time through portfolio management
Innovation does not stop once a project is launched. It is essential to monitor the progress of each initiative to maximize its impact and ensure smooth scaling. An innovation portfolio management solution, “the transformation portfolio,” allows you to measure the progress of projects, track KPIs, and prioritize resources on the most promising initiatives.
In one of my recent discussions with an innovation director in the retail sector, he pointed out that before adopting a platform, it was difficult to track the progress of projects over several years. Today, with the tool in place, he has a single dashboard that allows him to track the progress of each initiative, from the ideation stage to its commercial deployment. This has allowed them to maximize the adoption of new solutions, with a 70% success rate on the innovations deployed.
An essential lever for accelerating and securing innovation
In summary, an all-in-one software suite brings key advantages: it drives internal and external innovation, supports collective assessment of high-potential projects, centralizes their execution, and enables thorough long-term tracking. Companies using this kind of tool not only enhance their innovation capacity but also optimize investments by minimizing risks tied to innovation.
For large companies, adopting such a tool has become essential—a critical accelerator in today’s fast-paced, efficiency-driven environment. Let’s discuss how it can work for you.
