Page 300 - The Design Thinking Playbook

EXPERT TIP
The Innovation Manager

as inside outsider

After discussing the role of the Marketing Manager as an innovator, we want to take a look at the role
of the Innovation Manager, not least because it is also a role that’s changing. The role of Innovation The new role of the
Manager is defined more and more by market requirements, changed business models, and the basic
claim to understanding and using information technology (IT). In addition, the Innovation Manager has the Innovation Manager
tasks of bringing a new mindset into the organization on account of fundamental changes of market and
business mechanisms, and of supporting the transition needed to adapt and to establish the right skills. Uses design
thinking
He is also the link between the internal innovation systems and the external world, such as in partnerships Gives it everything he’s
with start-ups, accelerator programs, and universities. For this reason, it’s a good thing if the Innovation got
Manager has built his network in the company over the years while working in other positions and if he is
Bases his
given the leeway to act freely with the external system. He performs his function as an inside outsider. In decisions, among
his function, he is innovative on the level of business models and below—always with a holistic view of other things,
emerging technologies and market needs. on data Has the spirit
of an
entrepreneur
The following questions are increasingly important to the Innovation Manager:

• Which pacemaker and key technologies do we need for new market opportunities?
Sees the
• Which business models will be effective in our industry? big picture
• Which start-ups and strategic alliances will bring added value?
• How do we increase the agility in the implementation of growth initiatives? Is future-oriented
• How do innovation efforts become noticeable in the future scenarios?
• Which mindset suits us and how can it be spread transversally? Acts quickly

Accepts
Challenges calculated
traditional methods
risks

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