Grabbing Lightning: Building a Capability for Breakthrough Innovation

Chapter 9. THE INNOVATION FUNCTION

Since we began our research in 1995, and particularly since we began the second phase in 2001, we've been struck by the attention and progress that firms are making in building capabilities for breakthrough innovation. There are many signs that BI capability development is taking root in established companies. Firms are recognizing the need to distinguish between R&D (the engine of invention) and innovation (leveraging invention to create new businesses). They're also beginning (but just beginning) to recognize that breakthrough innovation must be managed differently from new product development or process improvement. Groups are springing up in companies that have intriguing labels: Future Business-Creative ...