Hindsight is more than 20-20

Most companies concentrate innovation management efforts on their development pipeline, funnel or stage-gate processes. These resource management mechanisms operate within, and are shaped by, the innovating system of which they are a part. They are necessary processes, but not sufficient for effective management. A systems view is also needed. As a result of learning from hindsight with our clients, we are now successfully applying systems principles to innovating practice.

Increasingly our clients engage us in an inventory and simulation-enhanced assessment of their innovating systems. After-action reviews provide viable, rich and cost-effective windows into the health of a company’s innovating system.

For 15 years veteran innovators, primarily from STEM-based companies, have shared their experiences with each other, and we have developed a body of knowledge rich with innovation management principles and practices. Our Mavericks Roundtables (topic-specific gatherings), Innovation Practitioners Network (a network producing practical methods), and most recently the Innovating Systems Management Program (a sponsor-based community of practice) are all opportunities to consider, if you are interested in avoiding the waste of re-learning and repeating past mistakes.