Managing innovation at all levels

Executives and middle managers don't see innovation the same way.

Both practice and research† confirm that, repeatedly.

They have different priorities, pay attention to different aspects, and worry about different things.

There is no right or wrong between the two layers.

In fact, both are important, as is the front line that actually develops innovation projects.

That's why it is critical to provide the right training and tools to the right layer.

Middle layer is perfectly suited for an innovation manager handling innovation funnel and orchestrating innovation teams.

Senior layer is perfectly suited for staffing innovation board(s), formulating an innovation strategy and overseeing the innovation portfolio.

When everything works in unison, then there is chance for profitable corporate innovation.

† For latest see Wilden, R., Lin, N., Hohberger, J., & Randhawa, K. (2022). Selecting Innovation Projects: Do Middle and Senior Managers Differ when it Comes to Radical Innovation? Journal of Management Studies, joms.12874. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12874