Innovation Ambition Matrix. B. Nagji and G. Tuff

Core-additive innovation is focused on the processes and products of the current business and the "transformational" one focuses on other customer segments (see TIP) or markets by offering new business models (see TIP)

Top innovation performers are those that have struck a balance between innovation focused on their core (see TIP), in adjacent and transformative initiatives and that, in addition, they have put the necessary tools and skills to manage the various initiatives as part of an integrated whole.

It is key understand and identify the differences between them, since, core/adjacent" allows for the evolution of current performance but does not meet the needs of the future. It is mandatory approach to "transformational" innovation when 5-year objectives are not feasible to achieve of the company with the expected business results in the same period.

There are three factors to consider when setting the investment allocation in the company:

1. The type of industry. Manufacturing companies are likely to spend more on core than technology companies where a focus on transformational is a must.
2. Competitive position. Small companies focus on "transformational" in order to create disruption and leading companies focus on "core/adjacent" in order to maintain their position.
3. The time of development of the company. Start-ups will focus heavily on "transformational" innovation while mature companies will do the opposite.

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The Innovation Ambition Matrix

The Innovation Ambition Matrix is a strategic tool that helps organisations to identify and plan different types of innovations. This matrix classifies innovations in different quadrants according to two key dimensions:

• Business impact: This refers to how innovation affects the organisation in terms of revenue, market positioning, efficiency, etc.
• Novelty of innovation: This aspect assesses the degree of originality of the innovation. It can be something completely new in the industry or a small improvement on an existing process.

Matrix Quadrants

• Incremental Innovation: This quadrant focuses on small but effective improvements to existing products or processes. The impact is relatively low, but so is the risk.
• Radical Innovation: Here we are dealing with transformational changes that have the potential to revolutionise the market or industry. The impact on The business is extremely high, but so is the risk.
• Process Innovation: This quadrant seeks to improve internal efficiency through process optimisation. Although the novelty is low, the impact on efficiency and costs can be significant.
• Business Model Innovation: This quadrant involves changes in how the organisation creates and captures value. It may be through new distribution channels, new pricing structures, or even entering new markets.

Internal Innovation Management

Internal innovation management is crucial to ensure that innovative ideas become reality. The following are some of these key strategies:

• Culture of Innovation: Foster an environment where employees feel free to share ideas without fear of reprisal.
• Investment and Financing: Allocate resources for the development of innovation projects.
• Multidisciplinary teams: Form teams with people from different departments and levels of experience to encourage diversity of ideas.
• Rapid Prototyping: Implement methods such as agile design or Lean Startup to quickly test ideas and adapt.
• Metrics and KPIs: Establish performance indicators to assess the impact of innovation initiatives.
• Innovation Governance: Establish processes and policies that regulate how decisions are made in innovation projects.
• Lifelong learning: Encourage learning and constant updating in innovation tools and methods.

Al combine a clear understanding of the different types of innovation with a sound internal managementorganisations have a increased likelihood of success in their efforts to innovate.

Practical Examples of the Innovation Ambition Matrix

To better understand the Innovation Ambition Matrix, here are some of the key questions to consider practical examples at each of the quadrants:

1. Incremental Innovation: A software company that releases periodic updates to fix bugs and improve product performance. Here, the risk is low and the improvements are small but cumulative.
2. Radical Innovation: Apple's introduction of the iPhone in 2007. This product changed the way we interact with technology and revolutionised the mobile phone market. The risk was high, but the impact was monumental.
3. Process Innovation: Toyota and its "Just In Time" production system. This change in the production process significantly reduced costs and increased efficiency, although it was not an innovation in the product itself.
4. Business Model Innovation: Netflix and its transition from a DVD-by-mail rental service to an online streaming platform. This change in business model not only affected its own performance but also changed the way we consume content.

How do these examples connect to internal innovation management?

1. Incremental Innovation: It could be managed by an internal team dedicated to improving the existing product, with a relatively small budget and short lead time to show results.
2. Radical Innovation: It requires a strong R&D team, significant funding, and a culture that allows failure as part of the learning process.
3. Process Innovation: Generally driven by the operations and continuous improvement teams, in collaboration with line employees who know the day-to-day details of production or service delivery.
4. Business Model Innovation: It often requires the involvement of senior management, as it may involve significant changes in the way the company operates and generates revenues.

I hope these examples help to clarify how the Innovation Ambition Matrix works and how it can be applied in different business contexts.

Artificial Intelligence applied to the Matrix

The use of artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool for companies and teams looking to apply the Innovation Ambition Matrix in various forms:

1. Idea Generation:
   1. Incremental Innovation: Artificial intelligence can help generate ideas for minor improvements to existing products or services.
   2. Radical Innovation: It can offer cutting-edge ideas that could transform a market or industry.
2. Data Analysis:
   The language model can process large amounts of text data to identify opportunities or trends that might fit into different quadrants of the matrix.
3. Team building:
   It can be used to create educational materials or guides to help team members understand the different types of innovation and how they fit into the matrix.
4. Risk Assessment:
   Artificial intelligence could help in the preparation of risk analyses for different types of innovation, offering insights that may not have been considered.
5. Strategy Development:
   It could assist in the elaboration of strategic innovation plans, generating potential scenarios and recommending courses of action.
6. Dialogue Facilitation:
   In meetings, a chatbot could act as a neutral facilitator, proposing questions and discussion topics to help explore different areas of the matrix.
7. Monitoring and Updating:
   It could be programmed to track the progress of innovation initiatives and remind teams of key steps or deadlines.
8. Multilingual support:
   For global companies, the ability of artificial intelligence to understand and generate text in multiple languages could be useful for implementing innovation strategies in different markets.

By using artificial intelligence effectively, companies can accelerate and improve its innovation decision-making process, ensuring that all possibilities are properly considered and evaluated.