Category: #entrepreneurship

Open innovation: innovating beyond internal boundaries

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

The path to innovation does not always have to be traveled alone. Open innovation, defined in 2004 within the technological sphere, presents itself as a revolutionary approach that allows organizations to look beyond their internal boundaries and leverage the ideas, technologies, and knowledge that exist externally. This model of innovation not only expands possibilities but can also accelerate product development, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

What is Open Innovation?

Open innovation is a business and technological management philosophy that encourages collaboration with external partners to advance innovation processes. Unlike traditional approaches that rely exclusively on internal resources, open innovation recognizes that valuable ideas and innovative technologies can be found outside the organization. This approach is based on two key premises:

  • Valuable ideas and technologies can come from outside the organization.
  • Collaborating with external actors can lead to better innovation outcomes.

Benefits of Open Innovation

Adopting an open innovation approach can provide organizations with a number of significant benefits:

  • Access to External Knowledge and Expertise: Collaborating with universities, research institutions, startups, and other companies allows organizations to tap into specialized knowledge that may not be available internally.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Open innovation fosters diversity of thought by integrating different perspectives, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions.
  • Cost Efficiency: By sharing resources and knowledge with external partners, companies can reduce the costs associated with research and development.
  • Accelerated Innovation: Collaborating with other actors allows companies to accelerate the development process for products and services, shortening time-to-market.
  • Sharing Risks and Rewards: External collaboration allows for the distribution of risks and benefits associated with innovation, making projects more viable.
  • Market Expansion: Working with external partners can open up new market opportunities, allowing companies to expand their reach and penetrate new segments.

Challenges of Open Innovation

Despite its many benefits, open innovation also presents challenges that organizations must manage effectively:

  • Intellectual Property Management: Protecting and managing intellectual property and the results of developed innovations is a critical aspect of open innovation. It is essential to establish clear agreements to protect the rights of all involved parties.
  • Trust and Collaboration: Building trust-based relationships with external partners is fundamental to the success of open innovation. A lack of trust can hinder collaboration and affect outcomes. In this regard, it is crucial to work progressively (starting with a small project) and over the long term to identify collaborators and develop relationships over time.
  • Quality Control: Ensuring the quality of products and services developed in collaboration with third parties can be challenging, especially when working with multiple partners.
  • Data Security: Protecting sensitive information and data shared during collaborations is vital to prevent leaks and ensure security.
  • Integration and Coordination: Integrating external contributions into the company’s internal processes requires careful coordination and efficient resource management.

Strategies for Open Innovation

For open innovation to be effective, it is necessary to implement strategies that facilitate collaboration and maximize benefits. Below are some strategies for incorporating knowledge and resources through open innovation projects:

  • Crowdsourcing: Leveraging collective intelligence through crowdsourcing platforms allows companies to access a vast pool of ideas and solutions proposed by external individuals.
  • Challenges and Competitions: Organizing innovation competitions and challenges is an effective way to involve external actors in solving specific company problems.
  • Engagement with Startups: Collaborating with startups can provide companies with access to disruptive technologies and innovative approaches that can complement their own innovation efforts.
  • Use of Technology: Implementing technological platforms that facilitate collaboration and idea exchange is essential for keeping open innovation efficient and productive.
  • Collaborative Spaces: Creating and maintaining physical or virtual spaces where external and internal actors can collaborate on innovation projects can foster creativity and synergy.

Open innovation has become a crucial strategy for companies that wish to remain competitive in a fast-paced and constantly changing business environment. It allows organizations to access a broader pool of talent and ideas, reduce time-to-market, and respond more effectively to changing customer needs. However, for this approach to be successful, it is essential to adopt a clear strategy and be willing to adapt to new ways of working. Open innovation not only broadens the organization’s horizons but also strengthens its ability to face future challenges with agility and creativity.

Video podcast Mamis Digitales

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

This is a different, more personal post, in which I share an interview that combines some insight into my motherhood, something about innovation and something about how I use artificial intelligence.

Last July I was interviewed by the platform Mamis Digitales, which is dedicated to promoting training courses and managing professional opportunities for women who want to better balance their lives as mothers and professionals, reinventing themselves to be digital professionals (community managers, virtual assistants, copywriters, etc.).

They contacted me through linked-in and I agreed to do the interview without thinking too much about it, because I think that one of the things we lack when women trace our professional and family path is references: knowing how other people have done it, different ways of organizing.

This morning I was thinking that perhaps conciliation does not consist of women organizing ourselves to do everything, but rather that the system adapts, on the one hand (legislation, reduction of working hours, more vacations, productivity derived from the implementation of technology, …), and, on the other hand, that the male group that decides to have children, and the whole society in general, gets more involved in raising them.

I was wondering if the fact of telling how I had organized myself contributed to perpetuating a model in which we are the ones who organize ourselves, in which the system does not adapt and the group of fathers no longer live their paternity. It must be said that the conditions for motherhood when my children were born were worse than the current ones (so the system is in the process of adaptation, slow as always), and that new co-responsible masculinities emerge (although they are news, which implies that it is not something common and that it is even slower).

My conclusion, and that is why I share it, is that, although I would like it not to be necessary, sharing different ways of organizing to have a good maternity without giving up the independence, social life and opportunities that professional life gives is important, and it is part of the path that we have to take as a society to offer the female group that wants to be a mother (and those who want to be a father), a conscious maternity, a conscious professional career, and in general a conscious life.

Here you have the video podcast on YouTube.

Thank you very much Irene Llull for reminding me that I had done the interview, for being attentive, for sharing and for this tremendous capacity to manage information that you have.

Create a business culture favorable to innovation

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In today’s dynamic business environment, an organization’s ability to innovate doesn’t just depend on having good ideas or investing in technology; it’s also crucial to have a culture that fosters creativity, calculated risk-taking, and collaboration. Creating an innovation-friendly culture is an ongoing process that requires commitment, vision, and the implementation of effective strategies. Below, we explore the essential steps to build and maintain a culture that drives innovation within the organization.

1. Leadership commitment

Leadership is the pillar upon which an innovative culture is built. Leaders must not only support innovation in words but also demonstrate their commitment through concrete actions. This includes actively participating in innovation initiatives, allocating necessary resources, removing obstacles, and fostering an environment where calculated risk is seen as an opportunity for learning and growth, where mistakes are not penalized. When leadership is involved and leads by example, it sets a tone that permeates the entire organization.

2. Define a clear vision and objectives

In nearly every post on this blog, the importance of having and communicating a vision is emphasized. A compelling vision for innovation, along with clear and well-communicated objectives, provides the organization with direction and purpose. This not only aligns innovation efforts with the company’s strategic goals but also motivates employees to contribute their ideas, actively participate in the innovation process, and make day-to-day decisions in line with the organization’s priorities. It is essential that everyone in the organization understands the importance of innovation and how their individual roles contribute to this common goal.

3. Encourage risk-taking

Risk is inherently part of the innovation process. However, for employees to feel comfortable taking risks, it is essential that the organization sets clear expectations and provides a “safety net” that allows for experimentation without fear of failure. Celebrating failures as learning opportunities and promoting experimentation are practices that can transform the fear of risk into a mindset of growth and creativity.

4. Promote collaboration at all levels

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it is the result of effective collaboration between different teams and disciplines. Creating cross-functional teams, establishing collaborative spaces, and clearly defining roles and responsibilities are some of the strategies to foster collaboration. Additionally, it’s important to implement tools and spaces for collaboration that facilitate communication and joint work, as well as to promote diversity and inclusion, which enriches perspectives and strengthens the organization’s capacity to innovate.

5. Invest in learning and development

Innovation thrives on knowledge, attitude, and skill. Therefore, investing in the continuous professional development of employees not only improves their performance but also strengthens the organization’s ability to adapt and lead in a constantly changing environment. Offering personalized training, continuous learning opportunities, and leadership development are some of the ways organizations can prepare for future challenges and maintain their competitive edge.

6. Recognize and reward innovation

Recognition and rewards are powerful motivators that can significantly boost innovation efforts. It is crucial that organizations implement recognition systems that are aligned with the company’s goals and are transparent in their evaluation. Recognizing both successes and failures (understood as learning opportunities) through personalized rewards, public recognition, or professional advancement programs can strengthen employee commitment and foster a culture where innovation flourishes.

7. Eliminate organizational barriers

Barriers such as excessive bureaucracy, rigid hierarchies, and outdated processes can stifle innovation. Identifying and eliminating these obstacles is vital to creating an environment where ideas can develop and thrive. By simplifying processes and promoting a more agile and flexible structure, organizations can facilitate a freer flow of ideas and increase responsiveness to innovation opportunities.

8. Foster intrapreneurship

Encouraging employees to act as entrepreneurs within the organization—known as intrapreneurship—is a powerful strategy for driving innovation from within. This involves providing autonomy, resources, and support for employees to develop and execute their own ideas. Establishing innovation teams, idea generation platforms, and intrapreneur networks (depending on the company’s characteristics and size) can be an effective way to channel internal creativity into innovative initiatives.

In conclusion, creating an innovation-friendly culture is not a destination but an ongoing journey that involves nurturing creativity, embracing change, and constantly learning from both successes and failures. By integrating innovation into the organizational DNA, companies can remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving world. Remember, an innovation culture is the foundation upon which great advances are built and sustainable success is ensured, making it highly attractive to talent.

Innovation Management Software

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Companies need more than just good ideas: they require a structure that allows them to manage, evaluate, and develop those ideas efficiently. This is where innovation management software comes into play, an indispensable tool for any organization that seeks to systematize its innovation process and maximize the impact of its creative efforts.

What is Innovation Management Software?

Innovation management software is a platform designed to facilitate and organize the innovation process within a company. Similar to project management tools but with a focus more oriented towards the generation and development of ideas, this type of software allows organizations to effectively manage the life cycle of their innovative initiatives, from the conception of an idea to its implementation.

Key Features of Innovation Management Software

There are several key elements to consider when evaluating software for innovation management. Depending on the company and its characteristics, and on how its innovation process operates, each organization will value certain features more than others.

  • Secure Collaborative Space: These tools provide a safe and organized environment where teams can collaborate, share ideas, and work together towards innovation. Effective collaboration is key to transforming an idea into a viable solution.
  • Templates and Guides for Strategic Planning: The software typically includes customizable templates and guides that help organizations define and plan their innovation strategy. This ensures that ideas are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.
  • Progress Tracking and Milestone Generation: The ability to define and track progress through milestones is essential. These tools allow teams to clearly visualize which stage of development each project is in, making management and informed decision-making easier.
  • Stage Progression Scheme for Product Development: A crucial aspect of innovation management is the ability to structure product development through a well-defined stage progression scheme. This helps ensure that each idea is rigorously evaluated and developed before moving on to the next phase.
  • Mobile-Friendly Interface: With the increase in remote work and the need for accessibility, many of these software solutions offer mobile interfaces, allowing teams to collaborate and manage projects from anywhere, at any time.
  • Secure Access and SSO (Single Sign-On): Security is a priority. These systems usually offer secure access through SSO integration, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information and collaborate on projects.
  • Project Budgeting and Forecasting: Financial management is a critical component of innovation. Innovation management software allows for precise budgeting and forecasting, ensuring that projects stay within budget limits and resources are optimized.
  • Prototyping and Integration: Some tools offer integrated prototyping capabilities (for certain projects) or through integrations with other platforms, facilitating the development and validation of ideas in early stages.
  • Crowdsourcing and Surveys: To foster open innovation and gain valuable insights, many of these software solutions include crowdsourcing and survey functions. This allows for the involvement of a larger number of participants, including employees and customers, in the idea generation process.
  • Customizable Fields for Data Collection: Flexibility is essential, so these tools often allow for the customization of data fields according to the specific needs of the project or organization, making data collection more relevant and useful.

Examples of Innovation Management Software

Some of the most recognized platforms in this field include:

  • Miro: Ideal for visual collaboration and brainstorming, Miro offers a dynamic space where teams can creatively and collaboratively visualize their ideas.
  • Planview: A robust tool that combines project management with advanced strategic planning capabilities, perfect for organizations seeking comprehensive control over their innovation initiatives.
  • Basecamp: Although better known as a project management tool, Basecamp is also very effective for organizing and managing innovation initiatives, especially in collaborative environments.

Innovation management software is not just an additional tool but an essential component for any organization that wants to approach innovation systematically and effectively. These platforms not only facilitate the generation and development of ideas but also ensure that innovation initiatives are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives and are managed efficiently.

In a business environment where speed and adaptability are crucial, having software that centralizes and optimizes the innovation process can make the difference between leading the market or falling behind. So if your company has not yet explored these tools, now is the time to do so. Don’t let your ideas stay on paper!

Let’s talk about technological foresight

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Technology foresight conducts long-term analyses to predict future technological developments and prepare for them: would Swiss watch manufacturers have faced the fate they did if they had foresight into the impact of the Asian digital watch?

Foresight is an essential practice that enables companies and organizations to stay at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness. Below, the main objectives, methods, techniques, and information resources used in technology foresight are described.

Objectives of Technology Foresight

Informed Decision-Making: Provide data and analysis that facilitate strategic decisions based on reliable information, knowing that the reliability of the information depends on who interprets it.

Risk Mitigation: Identify possible threats and prepare strategies to minimize them.

Opportunity Identification: Detect new areas of opportunity for development and growth, and for competitive improvement.

Competitive Advantage: Stay ahead of the competition by anticipating emerging trends and technologies.

Policy Formulation: Develop policies and strategies aligned with future trends and technological needs.

Methods and Techniques Used in Technology Foresight

There are different methods to think about the future and how technology can impact the company in the long term. Some are repeated with technological surveillance, such as patent analysis, and are as follows:

Expert Panels: Meetings of experts in different areas to discuss and analyze possible technological futures and their implications.

Trend Analysis: Evaluation of historical and current data to identify patterns and trends that may indicate future developments.

Scenario Planning: Creation of different possible future scenarios to assess how they might develop and what impacts they might have.

Technology Roadmapping: Methodology to plan the development of technologies over time, aligning resources and strategies with technological goals.

Delphi Method: Iterative survey technique that gathers and refines the opinions of a panel of experts to reach a consensus on future technological developments.

Horizon Scanning: Search and analysis of early signs of changes and future developments in the technological environment.

Patent Analysis: Study of patent databases to identify new inventions and trends in technological innovation.

Wild Cards Analysis: Evaluation of unlikely but high-impact events that could significantly alter the technological landscape.

Information Resources Used

To conduct effective technology foresight, various sources of information that provide reliable and relevant data are used, again some repeated with technological and environmental surveillance, though looking towards the future instead of the present:

Scientific and Technical Literature: Articles and studies that present the latest advances and discoveries in science and technology.

Patent Databases: Information on new inventions and trends in intellectual property.

Market Research Reports: Market analyses that provide insights into current and future trends.

Government Reports: Official documents that provide information on policies, regulations, and government-supported technological developments.

Innovation Ecosystems: Networks and collaborations among different actors in the technology sector that facilitate the exchange of ideas and the joint development of innovations.

Integration into the Innovation Strategy

Technology foresight is not just about collecting and analyzing data, but about integrating this information into the company’s innovation strategy. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it ensures that the different aspects of the analysis are considered and aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives. This allows the company to be proactive, adapt quickly to changes, and seize emerging opportunities.

Technology develops and transforms companies at an ever-faster pace. I wonder if the life cycle of companies will shorten in the future, if companies will be single-generation, if there will no longer be companies over 100 years old, 100 years from now.

Let’s talk about environment surveillance for innovation

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Environmental surveillance involves observing the economic, social, and regulatory environment to anticipate changes that could affect the innovation strategy. It is a fundamental practice for any company that seeks to remain competitive and adaptable in a constantly changing environment.

Below, the main objectives, information resources, and tools used in environmental surveillance are detailed. As with all elements of external analysis, each company must customize the objectives, resources, and tools to its profile and options, to what serves it best.

Objectives of Environmental Surveillance

Risk Mitigation: Identify and evaluate possible external threats that could negatively affect the company, allowing it to anticipate and mitigate associated risks.

Opportunity Identification: Detect new business opportunities and potential areas of growth in the market.

Adaptation: Facilitate the company’s ability to adapt to changes in the external environment, ensuring a quick and effective response.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the company complies with all applicable regulations and standards, avoiding penalties and improving its reputation.

Competitive Advantage: Obtain and maintain a competitive advantage by being better informed and prepared than competitors.

Information Resources for Environmental Surveillance

To carry out effective environmental surveillance, it is important to use various sources of information that provide reliable and relevant data. The main sources of information include:

Market Research: Studies and analyses of the market that provide information on trends, consumer behaviors, and growth projections. Consumers and their consumption habits change over time, and this is an important element that companies cannot ignore.

Competitor Analysis: Evaluation of competitors’ strategies, strengths, and weaknesses to anticipate their moves and plan accordingly. In this regard, it is important to observe competitors’ innovation strategies, at least at the level of products and services and marketing (since process and organizational innovation is more difficult to detect from the outside).

Industry Reports: Reports and analyses of the sector that offer an updated view of the state and prospects of the industry.

Government and Regulatory Agencies: Information on policies, regulations, and normative changes that could affect the company.

Trade Associations: Organizations that aggregate and provide data, reports, and analyses about the sector, as well as networking and collaboration opportunities.

Customer Feedback: Opinions and comments from customers that can reveal market needs and preferences. Nowadays, all companies constantly ask for customer feedback, which tires them out; my proposal is to focus attention on customers who were not satisfied, as they are much more likely to share their feedback.

Media and News: Sources of information about current events, trends, and changes in the economic, social, and political environment.

Integration into the Innovation Strategy

All the information collected and analyzed through environmental surveillance is used to carry out scenario planning. This process involves creating possible and plausible future scenarios, considering both the opportunities and threats identified. Additionally, regulatory and ethical considerations are taken into account, ensuring that the company is not only innovative but also responsible and compliant with regulations, as well as aligned with its values.

Integrating this analysis into the innovation strategy ensures that decisions are based on concrete and updated data, promoting a strategy of continuous learning and adaptation. This allows the company to be proactive rather than reactive, seizing opportunities before competitors and effectively minimizing risks.

Let’s talk about Technological Surveillance

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Technological surveillance is an essential practice for any company that wants to stay competitive and at the forefront of its sector. It involves continuously observing and learning from the technological environment to identify new trends, emerging technologies, and competitor movements that can impact my company in the short and medium term.

The objectives of technological surveillance are diverse and range from identifying emerging technologies to strategic planning. Below is a starting model for organizing a company’s technological surveillance, including objectives, data sources, and tools used, as well as its integration into the company’s innovation strategy. Not all the resources listed here make sense for all companies; each will have to choose and implement what is most convenient according to their case.

Objectives of Technological Surveillance

Identification of Emerging Technologies: Detect new technologies that can revolutionize the market and offer competitive advantages.

Competitive Intelligence: Monitor competitors’ activities to anticipate strategic moves and adapt one’s own strategies.

Risk Mitigation: Identify potential technological threats and prepare to mitigate associated risks.

Innovation and R&D: Support research and development activities with up-to-date information on technological advances.

Strategic Planning: Promote informed strategic decision-making with relevant and updated data on technological trends.

Data Sources for Technological Surveillance

To carry out effective technological surveillance, it is important to use various data sources that provide reliable and relevant information. The main data sources include:

  • Patent Databases: Offer information on new inventions and trends in intellectual property. The most interesting part is not so much identifying the “how” of the patent (how the innovation is made) but the “what” (what innovation is being introduced to the market, and what change it implies for my business).
  • Academic Research: Articles and academic studies that present the latest scientific and technological advances.
  • Industry or Sector News and Reports: Reports and analysis of the sector that provide an updated view of the market.
  • Competitor Activity: Observation and analysis of competitors’ strategies and movements.
  • Attendance at Sector Conferences and Trade Shows: Events where the latest innovations are presented and sector trends are discussed.
  • Open Innovation Platforms: Spaces where ideas and collaborative projects are shared among different market actors.

Practically, learning about technological changes with potential impact involves subscribing to newsletters from suppliers, competitors, and collaborators, attending trade shows, networking and sharing information, vision, and knowledge with peers, and setting up alerts for keywords or concepts in patent databases, academic articles, and Google.

Tools for Technological Surveillance

Using appropriate tools is essential for managing and analyzing the large amount of data collected during the technological surveillance process. Some of the most commonly used tools are:

  • Data Analytics: Techniques and software that allow analyzing large volumes of data to identify patterns and trends. The exponential technologies currently emerging in the market will be very significant for the evolution of these tools.
  • Innovation Management Software: Platforms that facilitate the management of innovation projects, management of programs or research lines, and the integration of technological surveillance data.
  • Customized Alerts: Systems that send notifications about new developments and relevant changes in the technological environment.

Integration into the Innovation Strategy

All the information collected and analyzed through technological surveillance is used to carry out a technology assessment. This process of technological evaluation allows the company to better understand the technological landscape and how it can impact its innovation strategy. Integrating this assessment into the innovation strategy ensures that innovation decisions are based on concrete and updated data, which increases the company’s ability to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities.

In conclusion, technological surveillance is an indispensable tool for any company that aspires to integrate innovation. Through the identification of emerging technologies, competitive intelligence, risk mitigation, support for R&D, and strategic planning, companies can stay at the forefront and ensure their competitiveness in an ever-evolving environment.

Knowledge management in innovation: Key to business success

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Knowledge management is a crucial element in any innovation strategy. The ability to capture, organize, and use both internal and external knowledge can make a difference in learning as innovation projects are executed. In this post, I would like to share some reflections on the type of knowledge handled by an innovative organization and how to manage it in a way that allows us to learn from the process.

Internal Knowledge: Identifying and Capturing the Essentials

Internal knowledge is generated within the organization over time. Capturing and organizing this knowledge is essential to avoid the loss of valuable information and to continuously improve innovation processes. Here is a way to organize the process and key resources to consider:

Identifying What Type of Knowledge Is Important to Incorporate into the Organization:

  • Innovation Project Knowledge: Document each stage of the project, from conception to implementation.
  • Post-Project Reviews: Evaluate what worked and what didn’t, to apply these learnings in future projects.
  • Lessons Learned: Record the key learnings from each project.
  • Best Practices and Templates: Create and share templates and best practices to facilitate the repetition of successes and avoid reinventing the wheel.
  • Intellectual Property Management: Ensure that innovations and discoveries are properly protected and managed.

Create a Knowledge Repository:

  • Centralize all information and make it accessible to all members of the organization.

Develop a Knowledge Capture Process:

  • Establish clear procedures for capturing, storing, and (most importantly) accessing information, so that those who come later can incorporate it as easily as possible.

External Knowledge: Technological Surveillance and Foresight

External knowledge comes from sources outside the organization and is equally important to maintain competitiveness, especially regarding open innovation. Here are three key activities for managing external knowledge:

Technological Surveillance:

  • Technological surveillance involves continuously observing and learning from the technological environment to identify new trends, emerging technologies, and competitive movements that can impact my company in the short and medium term.

Environmental Analysis and Monitoring:

  • The idea is to observe the economic, social, and regulatory environment to anticipate changes that could affect the innovation strategy.

Technological Foresight:

  • Foresight involves analyzing how technology might evolve in the long term to anticipate future technological developments and prepare for them.

Managing knowledge in innovation is not just a matter of internal organization but also of being attentive to changes and trends in the environment. By capturing and organizing both internal and external knowledge, organizations can improve their innovation capacity and remain competitive in a constantly changing world. Incorporating these resources and formalizing them within the company is essential in an environment where the only constant is change.

Innovation types and their relevance in determined industries

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Though Oslo Manual only identifies four types of innovation (product, process, organization and commercialization) here are several types of innovation, each with its relevance to various industries. Understanding these types of innovation can help organizations identify opportunities to drive change and stay competitive.

Here are some key types of innovation and their relevance to different industries:
– Product innovation involves developing new or improved products or services. It’s highly relevant to industries such as technology, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. For example, companies like Apple continuously introduce new versions of their smartphones and laptops, showcasing product innovation.
– Process innovation focuses on improving internal processes and operations. It’s crucial in manufacturing, logistics, and industries where efficiency and cost reduction are paramount. Automotive manufacturers, for instance, have implemented robotic automation and lean manufacturing techniques for process innovation.
– Service innovation pertains to creating new or improved services and customer experiences. It’s significant in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and financial services. Companies like Airbnb disrupted the hospitality industry by introducing a new platform for travelers to find unique accommodations, showcasing service innovation.
– Business model innovation involves rethinking how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. It’s critical in industries facing disruption or seeking new revenue streams. Netflix transformed the entertainment industry with its subscription-based streaming model, an example of business model innovation.
– Marketing innovation focuses on how products or services are promoted and delivered to customers. It’s vital in the advertising, media, and retail sectors. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have introduced innovative advertising and targeting techniques, driving marketing innovation.
– Organizational innovation relates to changes in an organization’s structure, culture, or management practices. It’s relevant in all industries but particularly critical in traditional or bureaucratic organizations looking to foster agility and adaptability. Startups often embrace flat hierarchies and flexible work cultures as forms of organizational innovation.
– Technological innovation involves the development of new technologies or the application of existing ones in novel ways. It’s highly relevant in industries like information technology, healthcare, and energy. Tesla’s advancements in electric vehicle technology are a prime example of technological innovation within the automotive industry.
– Social innovation addresses societal challenges and seeks to improve the well-being of communities and individuals. It’s important in nonprofit organizations, public sector initiatives, and socially responsible businesses. Microfinance institutions that provide financial services to underserved populations represent a form of social innovation.
– Sustainability innovation focuses on reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices. It’s crucial in industries with significant environmental footprints, such as agriculture, energy, and construction. Companies in the renewable energy sector, like solar and wind power providers, exemplify sustainability innovation.
– Cultural innovation involves the creation of new cultural norms, trends, and expressions. It’s relevant in creative industries like fashion, entertainment, and art. Designers and artists who introduce new styles and trends contribute to cultural innovation.

Understanding these types of innovation and their relevance to different industries helps organizations tailor their innovation strategies to align with their specific goals and challenges. Successful innovation often involves a combination of these types to address various aspects of a business or industry.

Promoting innovation and sustainability through industrial engineering, a new challenge for the COEIB

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

We recently presented the new Strategic Plan of the College of Industrial Engineers of the Balearic Islands.

This strategic plan begins by offering a detailed vision of the economic, social and professional context of the Balearic Islands and the role of the Official College of Industrial Engineers of the Balearic Islands (COEIB). In recent years, the Balearic Islands have experienced significant growth in sectors such as tourism, demography, commerce and construction. Tourism, in particular, has been an engine of post-pandemic recovery, contributing substantially to the region’s GDP.

The COEIB, regulated by various laws, has had to navigate through significant legislative changes, adjusting to new regulations on visas and membership.

Currently, it faces challenges such as lack of purpose, low commitment of engineers and a majority of senior members. Internally, the COEIB offers a wide range of services, including electronic visa, membership, training and a job bank, among others. Most of its members are professionals in free practice, work in public administration, or are employees in companies.

At a global level, engineering is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, industrial engineering is undergoing a transformation with the advent of Engineering 4.0, sustainability, new management models, the reorganization of value chains and other technological and non-technological innovations.

The COEIB, through its strategic plan, seeks to adapt to these internal and external changes. The vision is that engineers can assume greater responsibility in the world to come for future generations, so the purpose identified for the school becomes Promote the sustainability and innovation of the Balearic Islands through industrial engineering.

The action plan for the period 2024-2027 includes several programs such as free exercise, training, social club, professional development, representation and advice to the administration. Cross-cutting axes such as management, communication and creation of the knowledge map of the group of engineers are also identified.

This plan seeks to consolidate the role of the COEIB in the professional development of engineers and their integration into society, adapting to the current needs and challenges of the profession and the economic, environmental and social context in the Balearic Islands. It has been a pleasure and an honor to contribute to structuring the future activity of the school, I hope we can see results soon.