This simple self-assessment tool focuses attention on some of the important areas of innovation management. Below you will find statements which describe ‘the way we do things around here’ – the pattern of behavior which describes how the organization handles the question of innovation. For each statement simply put a score between 1 (= not true at all) to 7 (=very true).
Statement | Statement Score 1=Not true at all to7=Very true |
1 People have a clear idea of how innovation can help us compete | |
2 We have processes in place to help us manage new product development effectively from idea to launch | |
3 Our organization structure does not stifle innovation but helps it to happen | |
4 There is a strong commitment to training and development of people | |
5 We have good ‘win-win’ relationships with our suppliers | |
6 Our innovation strategy is clearly communicated so everyone knows the targets for improvement | |
7 Our innovation projects are usually completed on time and within budget | |
8 People work well together across departmental boundaries | |
9 We take time to review our projects to improve our projects to improve our performance next time | |
10 We are good at understanding the needs of our customers/end-users | |
11 People know what our distinctive competence is – what gives us a competitive edge | |
12 We have effective mechanisms to make sure everyone (not just marketing) understands customer needs | |
13 People are involved in suggesting ideas forimprovements to products or processes | |
14 We work well with universities and other research centers to help us develop our knowledge | |
15 We learn from our mistakes | |
16 We look ahead in a structured way (using forecasting tools and techniques) to try and imagine future threats and opportunities | |
17 We have effective mechanisms for managing process change from idea through to successful implementation | |
18 Our structure helps us to take decisions rapidly | |
19 We work closely with our customers in exploring and developing new concepts | |
20 We systematically compare our products and processes with other firms | |
21 Our top team have a shared vision of how the company will develop through innovation | |
22 We systematically search for new product ideas | |
23 Communication is effective and works top-down, bottom-up and across the organization | |
24 We collaborate with other firms to develop new products or processes | |
25 We meet and share experiences with other firms to help us learn | |
26 There is top management commitment and support for innovation | |
27 We have mechanisms in place to ensure early involvement of all departments in developing new products/processes | |
28 Our reward and recognition system supports innovation | |
29 We try to develop external networks of people who can help us – for example, with specialist knowledge | |
30 We are good at capturing what we have learned so that others in the organization can make use of it | |
31 We have processes in place to review newtechnological or market developments and what they mean for our firm’s strategy | |
32 We have a clear system for choosing innovation projects | |
33 We have a supportive climate for new ideas – people don’t have to leave the organization to make them happen | |
34 We work closely with the local and national education system to communicate our needs for skills | |
35 We are good at learning from other organizations | |
36 There is a clear link between the innovation projects we carry out and the overall strategy of the business | |
37 There is sufficient flexibility in our system for product development to allow small ‘fast-track’ projects to happen | |
38 We work well in teams | |
39 We work closely with ‘lead users’ develop innovative new products and services | |
40 We use measurements to help identify where and when we can improve our innovation management |
When you have finished, add the totals for the questions in the following way:
Based on your results, what can you conclude about your organization’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth?