Our client, a global family-run business in the coffee industry, has enjoyed tremendous success since its beginnings. Despite their success, they recognized the need to innovate their core (horizon 1 innovation) and beyond-the-core business (horizon 3 innovation) to remain competitive.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to establish an innovation structure and framework that would enable the client to systematically innovate their core business. This involved setting up governance and processes to build a culture of innovation across various functions. The client needed to transition from having a provisional innovation structure to becoming almost completely autonomous in their innovation efforts.
Innoleaps’ Solution
Over the past two years, we have served as the client’s strategic innovation partner, focusing on several key areas:
- Innovation Strategy and Governance: We developed a comprehensive but clear innovation strategy and governance framework tailored to the client’s needs, providing the foundation for systematic innovation efforts. This included defining roles, responsibilities, and processes to ensure clarity and accountability.
- Capability Building: We facilitated internal capability building through innovation masterclasses and training sessions across multiple business functions such as marketing, research and development, and accounting equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive forward innovation.
- Innovation Accounting: We implemented innovation accounting practices to track and measure the impact of innovation projects, ensuring they deliver tangible business value.
- Validation Factory: We supported the client in managing their innovation pipeline, advising on and validating innovation bets, and building minimum viable products (MVPs). Successful MVPs were then further scaled in-house. We collaborate on around 15 innovation projects annually as a strategic partner and provide continuous support and advisory services to ensure the smooth running of the innovation pipeline.
Results
The structured approach to innovation yielded significant benefits:
- Autonomous Innovation Culture: Within two years, the client transitioned from having no formal innovation structure to being almost completely autonomous in their innovation efforts.
- Increased Innovation Projects: The client successfully managed and executed over 15 innovation projects annually.
- Enhanced Internal Capabilities: Employees across various functions developed strong innovation capabilities, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and creativity.
- Scalable Innovation: Successful MVPs were scaled further in-house, ensuring that innovative ideas translated into tangible business outcomes.
Conclusion
This project highlights the importance of a well-defined innovation framework and structured processes in fostering a culture of innovation within a family-run business. By developing a comprehensive strategy, enhancing internal capabilities, and providing ongoing support, we helped our client transition to an autonomous innovation model. This case study demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable innovation and maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic coffee industry.