Argo provides a holistic innovation process geared toward innovation goals creating a clear framework that structures and systematically implements the development of new products, services and business models. Before this synergy can happen it must be clear what is meant by the process itself.

The innovation process defines the management of an idea from the strategic search to the successful market launch and its transfer to the operative management.

The process is the heart of taking a good idea to innovation and being able to manage that to a successful result, whereby it makes sense to understand innovation goals as components of the innovation process and to align the process with the goals. The decision for certain innovation goals in turn marks the starting point of the innovation process and defines the process steps derived from it (idea generation, concept, development, etc.).

Idea Generation 

Innovation Structure

Backed by an effective innovation process, we help create robust organizations, where our clients have found a recipe for sustainable innovation programs rather than mere spurts of innovation. The tailored innovation process creates a clear framework that structures and systematically implements the development of new products, services or business models. We provide the structure to anchor the innovation process in an organization that leads to:

With the right approaches to the individual stages of the innovation process, the ideal implementation takes place. Argo provides the agile innovation structure to deliver real progress.

Qualifying Pursuit

Innovation as a Success Factor

Argo’s innovation processes is a clear framework that defines how ideas are introduced into the company, how they are pursued and how they are brought to market. A structured process, which includes the innovation culture and innovation structure, opens up possibilities for breaking down barriers and at the same time creates efficient innovation management. 

We evaluate an idea and measure its potential benefits and problems. From there, a decision can be made about an idea’s future. Preparing an idea for investing, development, further research and funding, which can call for a different approach. Sometimes idea generators don’t always have the skills to advocate for their ideas, Argo Mentors (part of our CEV model)  work with the idea generator to facilitate, encourage and support the person.

Experimentation

Holistic Innovation Process

We establish a holistic innovation process that includes more than just a list of innovation projects. Our process  exhausts the creative potential in the enterprise, and increases the innovation ability of the enterprise in the long run, a corner stone of the CEV Model. Experimentation does not test an idea’s objective merits, but the current suitability. Some ideas might be ahead of their time or beyond the present capacity of the market, origination, or company. In these cases we incorporate them into an idea bank at set triggers for development/assessment at a later time.

Experimentation remain continuous or exist in spurts, as advocates and screeners reevaluate an idea and throughout the prototype and experiment phase. Experimentation can lead to new ideas and refine hypotheses due to information gathered on the results and the overall feasibility of the original idea. Time and expertise is crucial in this process and an adequate amount of time to test hypotheses. As refinements and evaluations occur we incorporate enhancement and alterations.

Commercialization

Innovation Proof to Market

Commercialization aims to create market value for an idea by focusing on its potential impact. At this stage the innovation process describes the systematic conversion of existing and/or new findings into marketable solutions, from idea generation and idea evaluation, to implementation and successful market launch. We perform market studies in audiences, CEV model and idea generation with other ideas, clarifying how and when ideas have the most impact, utilizing data and/or prototypes from experimentation to demonstrate R&D benefits and ROI (Return on Investment). This is done to finalize the idea and focus activities on promising innovations, so it can appropriately target and meet the needs of the audience. Commercialization is the stage of the innovation process when the focus shifts from development to persuasion. After the idea is clarified and a business plan is created, it will be ready for diffusion and implementation.

Diffusion & Implementation

Holistic Innovation Management

In addition to the innovation process, holistic innovation management must also include the strategy, structure and innovation culture. These four areas are closely interlinked and require appropriate coordination when it comes to the consistent design of sustainable innovation management. Diffusion and implementation are two sides of the same coin. Diffusion is the acceptance of an innovative idea, and implementation sets up everything needed to develop and utilize or produce the innovation.

Diffusion happens at all levels of an organization. This process is often aided by knowledge brokers, who are effective at presenting an innovation by using their awareness of the specific content and application into which an idea, product or service can be inserted. Argo’s CEV model is very powerful in this. As a result, knowledge brokers are able to assist with rapid implementation. The use or application of the innovation is demonstrated at the end of this stage, along with acceptance of the innovation. For the innovation to succeed, it will need the proper resources, a marketing plan for customers and an open culture with strong advocacy. Also important to diffusion and implementation is the opportunity for future ideas; this final stage allows the us to determine the next set of needs for customers. Receiving feedback, in addition to indicators for success metrics and other benchmarks.

Argo Success Multipliers