Goal setting for innovative product development

Important results from the project

Objectives: Define methodology with tools and theoretical framework for goal setting and measurement that favors both efficiency and innovativeness. Purpose: To develop the methodology with companies changing their working methods. The methodology is both a process for developing work methods and an instruction for goal setting and measurement for dual innovation capability. Five companies, based on their own conditions, have developed new innovation processes, a new leadership role, idea and project selection structure, measurement tools and increased management skills.

Expected long term effects

The project delivers a methodology with two tools (further developed within the project: MINT and PrindIt). Within five companies, satisfactory changes have been implemented that include the innovation process in general and the project selection process specifically, as well as roles, measurement tools and competence development. Effects of this are expected to be: balanced project portfolio, more radical projects and long-term competitive innovations, dual innovation capability (efficiency / innovation), increased control in innovation management (competitiveness).

Approach and implementation

A network of five companies was created where researchers took the role of process managers. The following steps were performed: * State-of-art analysis of goal setting and measurement, all companies * Series of company visits, all companies / targeted feedback per company * In-depth organization analysis - understanding of underlying causes and driving forces * Suggestions / recommendations on improved working methods * Direct efforts for changing working methods * Analysis and publication of results from empirical investigations ans interactions.