Author: Mariona Luis Tomás

5 more proposals to promote innovation in public administration

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Last week, five proposals were presented to promote innovation in public administration. Below, five additional proposals are outlined in the same direction:

Transparency and accountability: Proactively publishing information about public management and establishing clear accountability mechanisms increases citizens’ trust in institutions. Managing data robustly is fundamental, and the key to achieving this is digital transformation, even in the simplest processes.

Evaluation and continuous improvement: Implementing periodic evaluation systems for policies and programs allows the identification of areas for improvement and the adjustment of strategies to achieve proposed objectives. In the administrations I’m familiar with, this is often neglected, yet it is fundamental for identifying opportunities and improvement areas in the policies undertaken, as well as directly holding public managers accountable.

Efficient resource management: Optimizing the use of financial, human, and material resources ensures the sustainability of initiatives and maximizes the impact of public actions. Efficient management includes actions taken by anyone in the administration; it is not solely the responsibility of leaders. Acting with awareness of working for the public good is a cornerstone of public management.

Promotion of an innovation culture: Fostering a work environment that encourages creativity and the proposal of new ideas among public employees contributes to the generation of innovative solutions. In this post, we’ve discussed the culture of innovation, and there are many initiatives that can promote it.

Adaptation to climate change and sustainability: Integrating sustainability criteria and resilience to climate change into public policies ensures balanced and environmentally responsible development. Keeping this perspective in mind when defining public management can contribute to more innovative policies and greater future opportunities.

Transforming organizations in the public sector is not easy without feeling frustrated by the slow pace of change. However, I often share that the first time I invited companies from the public sector to discuss innovation, only five attended. Fifteen years later, the same forum was fully booked with over 120 companies. The only constant is change.

5 proposals for innovation in public administration

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Innovation in public administration is essential to improve efficiency, transparency, and the quality of services offered to citizens. This article aims to share key elements for fostering innovation in the public sector. Below are five essential proposals to drive this transformation:

  1. Simplification of administrative procedures: Reducing bureaucracy and eliminating unnecessary processes make it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with the administration, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. This requires designers of processes to ask what the minimum information needed to manage them is and how citizens can clearly identify and understand what is being requested of them.
  2. Comprehensive digitalization of services: Implementing digital platforms that allow users to access public services online promotes transparency and reduces waiting times. More and more people are learning to interact digitally, and within two generations, progress in this area will be significant. The digitalization of public services can contribute to this evolution with all the implications it entails.
  3. Continuous training of personnel: Training public employees in new technologies and work methodologies ensures constant adaptation to change and improves the quality of services. Additionally, it fosters a readiness for change among public employees, which can drive transformation in public administration.
  4. Encouraging citizen participation: Establishing effective channels for citizens to participate in decision-making and service evaluation strengthens democracy and shared responsibility. Over the last century, too much individual responsibility has been delegated to public administration. It’s time to reclaim this duty and the right that comes with it.
  5. Public-private collaboration: Promoting strategic partnerships with the private sector to leverage resources and expertise generates innovative solutions to public problems. One way to expand public capacity is by creating solutions from the private sector.

The implementation of these proposals requires a determined commitment from authorities and active citizen participation, aiming to build a more modern, efficient, and citizen-centered public administration.

The robotics revolution in tourism

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

On November 12th, I attended a fascinating event about robotics in the HORECA sector (hospitality, restaurants, and catering), organized by the Fundació BIT. It was an eye-opening experience, highlighting how technological innovation is rapidly transforming our industry. In this post, I share my thoughts on some of the most intriguing points discussed during the event.

Key Advances in Robotics for the Sector

  1. Enhanced sensory capabilities: In recent years, robots have significantly improved their automatic perception abilities thanks to the integration of image recognition, radar, and laser technologies. This advancement broadens their practical applications.
  2. AI and digital twins: Technologies like artificial intelligence, digital twins, and machine learning are driving a new era in service robotics, opening up possibilities that seemed like science fiction just a decade ago.
  3. The rise of cobots: Unlike traditional autonomous robots, cobots (collaborative robots) are designed to work alongside people, not replace them. This collaborative approach seeks to create environments where humans and robots act as partners, not competitors.
  4. Mobile cobots and innovative business models: The concept of mobile cobots, such as robotic arms on wheeled platforms, and the “Robot as a Service” (RaaS) model—pay-per-use—were introduced as more flexible alternatives to buying or leasing robots.
  5. Specific applications: Cobots are ideal for tasks that complement human capabilities, while autonomous robots are designed for independent operations, such as in highly automated fast-food concepts.
  6. Trends in interfaces and training: Interacting with robots is becoming increasingly intuitive, eliminating the need for advanced programming skills. However, this shift requires new training models for workers.
  7. Implementation strategies: Starting with robots designed for simple, repetitive, and routine tasks can be an effective strategy before tackling more complex applications.

Implications for Tourism

In the context of tourism, these advances have key implications for decision-makers:

  • Addressing labor shortages: In areas such as F&B (food and beverage) and cleaning, where there is a lack of workers, cobots can be a vital tool. Their implementation should focus on improving employee well-being.
  • Adapting to change: Transitioning to robotics requires not only adapting spaces but also adjusting processes and expectations. It’s not about replicating what people do, but about redefining tasks for which robots are best suited.
  • Priority areas: Tasks like cleaning and goods transportation were identified as key areas for transformation through robotics.
  • Learning from other industries: Adopting robotic solutions from more advanced sectors can be an effective strategy for tourism. Robots should be seen as tools that empower employees, not as replacements.
  • Inspiring applications: From ingredient dispensers to robots that cook tortillas during show cooking or serve beer, the possibilities are nearly endless. Other examples include kitchen robots for concepts like “dark kitchens,” exoskeletons to reduce physical strain, and robots for maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Conclusion

Robotics applied to tourism has the potential to transform not only operational processes but also the experiences of both workers and customers. The key is to move forward strategically, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces the human factor that makes our sector so special.

Preparing for the future of Innovation Management

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Innovation management is a constantly evolving field that demands an adaptable, change-ready mindset. With technologies advancing rapidly and consumer expectations transforming, organizations must prepare for an innovation environment that is more challenging and dynamic than ever before. Below, I propose some of the fundamental pillars to prepare for this future:

Adopting a proactive and adaptable mindset: Preparing for the future requires a constant openness to change. Organizations that cultivate a proactive attitude, seeking to adapt and evolve, have a greater capacity to respond to the unexpected and find opportunities where others see challenges.

Cultivating a culture of innovation: Innovation is not limited to one department; it must permeate the entire organization, to individuals one by one. This includes fostering leadership commitment, cross-team collaboration, talent development, and inclusion and diversity. A strong innovation culture facilitates continuous adaptation and creativity at all levels.

Strategic alignment and risk management: To be sustainable and ethical in their innovation efforts, organizations must align their innovation strategies with their corporate values ​​and goals, while maintaining a risk management and resilience approach. This not only allows for more robust growth, but also better preparedness to deal with disruptions.

Leverage advanced technology and management tools: The future of innovation requires modern technological infrastructure, from rapid prototyping to accurate measurement of results. Implementing advanced tools, combined with proper intellectual property management, drives innovation capability to the next level.

Focus on the customer and commit to continuous improvement: An organization that places the customer at the center of its innovation strategy and fosters a culture of continuous improvement can better adapt to changing market expectations. A customer-centric approach helps align innovative developments with real and future user needs.

The future of innovation management is not just about anticipating new technologies or methodologies; It is a comprehensive process that includes culture, leadership, technology, and commitment to organizational values. Companies that prepare themselves adequately will not only be ready to adapt, but also to lead in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. Are you ready to manage the innovation of the future?

Some additional strategies to capture future trends in Innovation (Part 3)

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

To close this series of strategies aimed at identifying future trends in innovation, we will explore five additional strategies, which I find interesting to build a solid and resilient approach to the future of innovation.

Analysis of emerging technological trends: Identifying and analyzing technologies that are in an early phase, such as advanced artificial intelligence or new generation renewable energies, allows organizations to detect disruptive opportunities before they become massive. This approach is essential to stay ahead.

Connection with innovation networks and ecosystems: Collaborating and staying connected with other actors in the innovation ecosystem – such as startups, incubators, universities and research centers – is a key strategy to capture new ideas and trends that are not yet fully developed in the market.

Data management and predictive analysis: The digital age offers a large amount of useful data to identify patterns and predict future trends. Predictive analysis becomes an indispensable tool for organizations that want to anticipate the evolution of their sector, I think we will see great changes in this regard.

Use of open innovation: Integrating open innovation approaches allows companies to access external knowledge and collaborate on solutions that could be out of their reach if they operated in isolation. Open innovation facilitates greater flexibility and access to novel ideas. Identifying innovation challenges in companies and participating in hackathons seems especially interesting to me.

Fostering a culture of curiosity and constant learning: Future trends are best detected in environments where continuous learning is a priority. Creating a business culture in which the team is constantly updated and in search of new knowledge allows changes to be detected proactively, in addition to generating a better work environment and more joy of living.

By combining these strategies, organizations can strengthen their ability to anticipate change and adapt quickly, not only surviving but thriving in the uncertain future of innovation. Ultimately, analyzing and understanding trends is not a one-time process; It is a constant commitment that requires a broad, collaborative and proactive vision.

6 more strategies to identify future trends in innovation (Part 2)

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In this second installment, we propose six more key strategies to identify future trends in innovation. These techniques complement those seen in the previous post and provide us with additional tools to anticipate change.

Analysis of social networks and digital platforms: Social networks are a rich source of data on emerging trends and changes in consumer behavior. Analyzing this data helps to discover movements in real time and to detect opportunities for transformation and improvement that can hardly be reached through other means. With machine learning and artificial intelligence, these analysis processes are greatly reduced in cost, and it is worth implementing automatic diagnostic mechanisms in networks.

Investment in research and development (R&D): Continuous research not only drives internal innovation, but also allows us to stay abreast of external developments that can impact the industry. Public investment in R&D allows SMEs to access the generation of relevant knowledge that can determine their future.

Collaboration with universities and research centres: Linked to the above, partnering with academic institutions around R&D projects facilitates access to cutting-edge research that is not yet on the market.

Trends in policies and regulation: The regulatory environment has a direct impact on companies. Staying informed about legislative and regulatory changes, especially in Europe, allows you to anticipate necessary adjustments to products or services.

Participation in conferences and innovation forums: These events not only allow you to discover emerging technologies and practices, but are also a space for networking with other industry leaders, a space for sharing and collaborating.

Trend studies in specialist publications: Reading reports and market analyses published by research companies helps to identify potential trends early on and to understand how they are evolving.

These advanced strategies allow for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing change. Stay tuned for the latest post on this topic!

6 key strategies to identify innovation future trends

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In the dynamic world of innovation, anticipating the future is essential. Innovation is not just a reactive process; it requires proactivity and a vision that anticipates changes. In this first installment on strategies for identifying future innovation trends, I will explore six fundamental methods for anticipating what is to come and adapting effectively.

Megatrend analysis: Observing global patterns that impact various industries allows you to foresee how the business environment will change and how to position yourself in the face of those changes. The shift toward sustainability, for example, is now a megatrend that should determine the innovation strategies of any organization.

Scenario exploration: Imagining hypothetical futures helps prepare for multiple possible outcomes. Scenario analysis allows organizations to strengthen their adaptive capacity and resilience. Alice’s father’s recipe, 6 impossible things before breakfast, can be a start.

Competitor study and comparative analysis: Analyzing the innovation strategies of other actors allows you to discover points of improvement and opportunities not yet exploited. This includes competitors, of course, but also potential substitute producers, collaborators, other links in the value chain, etc. For me the question is: What is the company that is going to take us out of the market?

Research into changes in customer preferences: Changes in consumer habits can mark the beginning of new trends. Research and analysis of these changes is essential, biasing by profile or customer segment to which the organization’s offer is directed.

Mapping emerging technologies: Monitoring new technologies that are emerging helps anticipate their potential impact on the organization’s products and services. It is important not to lose sight of the fact that it is about identifying technologies that make sense for the organization, and to be very cold in identifying these technologies.

Monitoring startups and innovation ecosystems: Startups often adopt technologies and trends before larger companies. Observing their evolution can offer clues about future market directions. Integrating the developments that start-ups are making, buying them, is something that most of the large companies we know are doing, in sectors such as energy, tourism, data,… Hackathons are mainly about that.

These strategies allow us to stay on the crest of the wave and respond quickly to changes. In the next post, we will see six additional approaches to continue developing a solid and effective future innovation strategy.

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Ethics in innovation, a key pillar for the future

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, ethical issues have taken a central role in the conversation about the future. The impact of innovation is not limited to efficiency or economic growth; it also has profound implications for privacy, equity, and human rights. I believe it is essential that innovation is not only disruptive but also ethical, aimed at generating a positive impact on society as a whole.

Ethical dilemmas of technological innovation

Technological innovations present a wide variety of ethical dilemmas. Some of the most critical issues include:

  • Privacy and data protection: In the information age, the mass collection of data raises significant concerns about how personal data is used and protected.
  • Cybersecurity: As we rely more on digital systems, ensuring security against cyber threats is both an ethical and technical challenge.
  • AI and automation: The automation of work and the increasing use of artificial intelligence raise doubts about its impact on employment, autonomous decision-making, and control over these technologies.
  • Equitable access to social services, such as education or healthcare: Innovations in education, biotechnology, and healthcare, among others, must ensure equitable access to medical and educational advances, avoiding the creation of inequalities.
  • Ethics in research: Science must advance responsibly, respecting human rights and maintaining high ethical standards in the treatment of people and data.

Key principles of ethical innovation

To ensure that innovation aligns with ethical values, several fundamental principles must be followed:

  • Privacy and data protection: It is crucial to respect and protect personal information, implementing adequate security measures.
  • Ethical artificial intelligence and technology: Developing and using AI that respects human autonomy and avoids discriminatory biases is key for fair and responsible adoption.
  • Environmental responsibility: Sustainability must be part of the innovation process, ensuring that technological developments do not harm the environment.
  • Stakeholder participation: Involving all stakeholders in the innovation process, including employees, customers, and society at large, promotes fair and inclusive decision-making.
  • Responsible innovation culture: Organizations must foster a culture where ethical reflection is continuous, encouraging responsible and transparent business practices.

Examples of ethical innovations

Various sectors are already adopting ethics as a guiding principle in their innovation:

  • Ethical supply chains: Technologies such as blockchain are being used to improve transparency in supply chains, ensuring fair and responsible labor practices.
  • Humanitarian innovation: Technological solutions aimed at addressing urgent social issues, such as access to healthcare through telemedicine or mobile technologies for vulnerable populations.
  • Social innovation: Different initiatives address important but non-urgent social challenges.

Ethics in innovation is not an accessory; it is fundamental to ensuring that new technologies and processes benefit society in a fair and equitable way. In an increasingly connected and automated world, organizations must prioritize an ethical approach in their innovation processes to not only thrive but also generate a long-term positive impact. Ethics in innovation is not only a pillar for success but also for trust and future sustainability.

Innovation and Sustainability: the path towards a responsible future

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In today’s era, sustainability has ceased to be an option and has become an unavoidable necessity. Companies, governments, and organizations not only need to innovate to improve efficiency or profitability but also to create a positive impact on the environment and society, contributing to building the world we would like for our daughters and granddaughters, our sons and grandsons. In this context, innovation and sustainability intersect, offering opportunities to transform industries and practices towards a more responsible and enduring model.

Key Principles of Sustainable Innovation

For innovation to be truly sustainable, it is essential to incorporate certain fundamental principles:

  • Social equity: Innovation should not only aim for economic growth but also strive to improve living conditions and promote social justice, ensuring that the benefits reach all segments of the population.
  • Life cycle assessment: Considering the environmental and social impact of a product or process throughout all stages of its life cycle, from design to final disposal, is key to minimizing its ecological footprint.
  • Collaboration and partnerships: Sustainable innovation does not happen in isolation. Knowledge and partnerships with other actors, such as research institutions, governments, and companies, are crucial for fostering sustainable solutions.
  • Sustainable design and materials: The use of recyclable, renewable, or biodegradable materials, and the design of products that minimize resource usage and waste generation while maintaining functionality, is a fundamental pillar of sustainability.
  • Transparency and traceability: Consumers and stakeholders increasingly demand clarity on how products are made. Traceability and transparency are essential for building trust and accountability.
  • Resilience and adaptability: In a world of rapid environmental and social changes, innovation must be adaptable and resilient, prepared to face challenges such as climate change or resource crises.

How to Integrate Sustainability into Innovation Practices

Integrating sustainability into the innovation process is not only an ethical matter but also a strategic one. Here are some key approaches to doing so:

  • Apply eco-design principles: Considering the environmental impact from the early stages of design is essential. This involves reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste, and improving the energy efficiency of products and processes.
  • Sustainable supply chain: Ensuring that the entire supply chain follows sustainability principles is key. This includes choosing responsible suppliers and ensuring ethical and environmentally respectful labor practices.
  • Sustainability goals and metrics: Establishing clear sustainability objectives and defining metrics to measure progress is crucial. Companies should continuously monitor their performance in terms of environmental and social impact.
  • Life cycle analysis: Life cycle analysis allows the evaluation of a product’s environmental impact from creation to disposal. This helps identify areas for improvement and reduce the ecological footprint.
  • Certifications and labels: Holding recognized certifications, such as ISO 14001 or eco-friendly product labels, ensures that innovations meet the highest standards of sustainability and responsibility.

Examples of Sustainable Innovations

Today, multiple sectors are leading the way towards a more sustainable future through key innovations, mobilized locally across Europe:

  • Sustainable agriculture: Practices such as vertical farming and the use of precision technologies are transforming food production to be more efficient and less dependent on resources such as water and chemical fertilizers.
  • Renewable energy: Innovations in solar, wind energy, and battery technologies are enabling the transition to cleaner and more accessible energy sources for all.
  • Circular economy: The circular economy seeks to eliminate the concept of “waste” by promoting recycling, reusing, and regenerating materials, thus reducing environmental impact.
  • Electric mobility: Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure are changing the way we move, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving air quality in cities.
  • Clean water technologies: Innovations in water purification and desalination are helping mitigate the scarcity of this vital resource, especially in areas affected by climate change.

Challenges in Sustainable Innovation

Despite the advances, sustainable innovation faces significant challenges:

  • Initial costs: Sustainable innovation often requires significant initial investments in research, development, and infrastructure—thinking things through more carefully before taking action. In some cases, these costs can be recovered in the long term through efficiency and value creation (although not always, in my experience).
  • Regulatory compliance: Navigating regulatory frameworks, which vary from country to country and constantly evolve, can be a challenge but is fundamental to ensuring that innovations comply with international standards.
  • Consumer awareness: Although more people are supporting sustainable products and practices, there is still a long way to go in raising awareness and willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products.
  • Supply chain complexity: Ensuring that the entire supply chain is transparent and ethical can be complex, especially in globalized industries.
  • Balancing interests: Sustainable innovation must balance economic, environmental, and social interests, which can create tensions among the different actors involved.

Sustainable innovation not only benefits the planet and communities but also offers businesses opportunities to differentiate themselves, improve their reputation, and build customer loyalty. Ultimately, integrating sustainability principles into innovation is essential for the future of industries and economies on a global scale.

Scaling Innovation: From Concept to Global Reality

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

The innovation process is exciting, but the true test for many companies comes when they must scale those innovations. How do we ensure that a product, idea, or innovative process that has been successful in a controlled environment can make an impact on a larger scale, both within the organization and in the market? This is the challenge of scaling innovation, and here are some proposals on how to approach it.

What is scaling innovation?

Scaling innovation involves taking an idea or solution that has been developed in a pilot, limited, or experimental environment and expanding its adoption to have a broader impact, whether organizationally, in the market, or across an entire ecosystem. It’s not just about replicating an idea in different contexts but ensuring it is adapted, implemented, and adopted efficiently and effectively.

The scaling process: from theory to practice

Scaling innovation is not a linear process nor one-size-fits-all. It requires several key steps and elements to maximize the chances of success:

  • Start with a solid foundation: Before scaling, it is vital that the innovation has a solid base. This includes a clear value proposition, proof of concept, and an analysis of technical, operational, and financial feasibility.
  • Scalability assessment: Not all innovations are easily scalable. A detailed evaluation is necessary to identify scaling opportunities and anticipate potential obstacles. This requires a deep look into aspects such as technical, resource, and financial scalability in each location where it is intended to be implemented.
  • Pilots and testing: A common practice is to conduct pilots in key markets or segments. This allows for testing the innovation in real situations, monitoring performance, and gathering critical feedback before large-scale implementation, following a progressive deployment approach.
  • Establish a scaling plan: Creating a clear roadmap with milestones, resource allocation, and evaluation metrics is crucial. This plan should include clear objectives, a risk analysis, and appropriate training for the teams that will lead the expansion.
  • Continuous monitoring and feedback: Feedback is a pillar of scaling innovation. It is important to have mechanisms to receive and analyze feedback from employees, customers, and any other key stakeholders who impact the scaling process. This flow of information will help adjust the process as it unfolds.
  • Standardization: Once the pilot has been validated, process standardization is key. This ensures efficient operations and maintains consistent quality throughout the scaling process.
  • Marketing and communication strategy: Effectively communicating the benefits of the innovation to all internal and external stakeholders is fundamental to gaining support and ensuring smooth adoption.

Requirements for successful scaling

Having a good idea or promising product is not enough. To scale successfully, it’s important to pay attention to several critical elements:

  • Adaptability and flexibility: The ability to adjust the innovation to different contexts is essential, especially when dealing with diverse markets or varied customer segments.
  • Training and capacity building: The team responsible for scaling must be well trained to implement and manage the innovation effectively.
  • Technology and digital tools: Leveraging technology and using data analysis and automation tools can significantly ease the scaling process.
  • Strategic partnerships: Sometimes forming alliances with research institutions, industry associations, or complementary businesses can accelerate the expansion process.

Scaling innovation is not simply multiplying what has worked on a small scale. It is a dynamic process that requires strategic planning, the ability to adapt to new contexts, and a customer-centered approach. With the right management, organizations can transform a good idea into a global innovation that drives their competitiveness and long-term growth.