Globally operating companies, whose innovation activities have almost come to a standstill, are often faced with a stalemate; the sales offices, scattered all over the world, are looking expectantly towards headquarters and are demanding new products that they can offer to their customers. From a branch perspective, it is the responsibility of the head office and its R&D department to develop innovative products.
One effective way to meet this challenge is to participate in an internal Innovation Contest, which encourages employees, around the world, to come up with ideas for products they want.
Idea workshops in the regions
The different regions of the company are initially grouped into any number of regions, for example 5. In each of these regions, a two-day workshop will be held with 10 to 15 participants at each, selected by the management of the region. These workshops can generate a total of 500 ideas for new products.
Presentation of the best idea at the management meetings
The best idea for each region will be selected at the end of the workshop and presented, by the most capable presenter, at the company's annual management meeting.
Voting on smartphones
The five regions compete against each other in front of managers from all over the world. The vote on the best idea and most creative presentation takes place via smartphone.
Innovation Contest as a challenge cup
The region that wins the Innovation Contest receives a challenge cup that stays in the region for one year.
In the second year, for example, you can decide to involve the headquarters as well. As in the regions, a workshop is held to see what ideas and ideas exist within the head office with regard to new products. At the management meeting, six presenters will be on stage this time, pitching against each other. Up to 800 further ideas can thus emerge in this second year.