CASE STUDY
Collaboration
Many companies believe their smaller R&D departments limit their innovation capabilities compared to global giants. However, ideas can come from anywhere. The real challenge is internal execution, as daily operations often hinder scalable innovation, usually due to workload and lack of specialist expertise.
The solution is often collaboration rather than slow, trial-and-error approaches. Working with experts and partners familiar with the innovation process can significantly enhance progress.
For example, we helped an innovative ingredient manufacturer ready to launch a new product. They needed to demonstrate the product’s value and overcome execution hurdles to create a springboard for future sales.
Problem:
We have great ideas, but we struggle to commercialise
Solution:
Collaborate and win jointly
Action
We prioritised applications based on technical feasibility, commercial viability, and consumer desirability. From a shortlist of three applications, we reached out to potential collaborators, considering their strategic fit, past NPD, company size, access to decision-makers, and industry influence. We contacted 5-10 companies and selected three for further exploration. One became an excellent co-development partner.
We produced outstanding naturally flavoured chocolate prototypes for the confectionery industry. The final products won an innovation award and were successfully launched in the market.
Result
Both companies benefited: the brand owner was first to market and won an innovation award, while the ingredient manufacturer solved obstacles with the brand owner, providing convincing evidence for other customers.
The shared benefits included faster market entry by pooling expertise, leading to earlier sales and value creation.
Inspiration for further reading
‘Creativity is just connecting things’
A key recipe for success of Steve Jobs was encouraging a culture of innovation at Apple by fostering an environment where ideas could be freely exchanged and refined through collaboration. Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson, Dylan Baker, et al (2015)