Controlling the Early Innovation Phase at Autoneum

In order to manage innovation properly, Autoneum formalized the early innovation phase by implementing a stage-gate process and established formal process controls while considering the basic premises of ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in invention and innovation activities. Process controls reduce the variance in the methods employed during the early innovation phase and guarantee that decision makers consider all relevant and available information. In this regard, controls can be brought to the forefront of the innovation process without hindering innovation or creativity while taking a facilitative role. Regular assessments of innovation projects facilitate discussion, arbitration, decision making, and the management of priorities. In addition, control improves information access and contributes to the development of a common understanding. Moreover, it helps to manage creativity throughout the front end and prevents the circumstances in which unchecked creativity reduces R&D performance because of a loss of focus.