Architecture of Strategic Innovation

Architecture of Strategic Innovation

Innovation isn’t just about coming up with a brilliant idea. It’s about developing a tangible roadmap to measurable results. Align's 4 I’s of Strategic Innovation process provides a structured pathway out of endless conversations and a feeling of stuck frustration. The architecture for innovation is a proven process that includes stakeholder insights, creative ideas, incremental steps toward implementation, and tangible results that make an impact!

Solve the Right Problem. Create More Value.

Solve the Right Problem. Create More Value.

Don't avoid a big opportunity just because you don't know where to start.  There's a 5 step process for defining the right problem - the one worth solving.  Whether you’re focused on a social mission or business growth agenda, spend time on the right challenges - ones that can create more value for customers and stakeholders.

Learn how Align is taking on the child care crisis.  A problem that matters to hundreds of thousands, including families, business leaders, educators, and everyone interested in a vibrant society.

Many people want to jump ahead to the idea stage. But ideas that aren’t rooted in solving the right challenge can be a waste of time and resources. Spending a little more time on problem analysis will lead to bigger outcomes, in less time!

Innovation Reality Check: Avoiding pitfalls

Innovation Reality Check: Avoiding pitfalls

Strategic planning has shifted to strategic innovation. And it’s more necessary than ever as customers expect more and problems are more complex and intertwined than ever. CEOs need to lead strategic innovation the right way or risk making the situation worse. First, you need to take stock of where you are and what’s the target of your innovation efforts. Decide to do things differently and take baby steps. Ultimately, there’s a process that startups and corporations know and do, but mid-sized companies that are the last to embrace this way of working will do so at their peril.

Innovative Examples of New Ventures in the Climate Economy

Innovative Examples of New Ventures in the Climate Economy

The Climate Economy is growing because it’s profitable to protect the planet. An endless array of opportunities exist for businesses to develop products and services that contribute positively to environmental sustainability. Companies aren’t just reducing their carbon footprint, they’re creating products and services that are tools to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions and replace fossil fuels.  From manufacturers & food producers to tech companies & energy providers, there’s a plethora of new ventures that are winning with products and services designed for the climate economy.

Where will growth come from?

Where will growth come from?

There’s a proven process for creating new value. The process starts with customer insights, which are used in the development of creative ideas worth pursuing. Next, you prioritize a set of best choices and move forward in increments - small, iterative steps, to test and validate your best options. Lastly, you need some traction metrics to confirm the solution will produce the intended impact. These are the four I’s of Strategic Innovation: Insights, Ideas, Increments, & Impact. Learn how to spark ideas that will lead to strategic growth.

Customer insights methods get more sophisticated

Customer insights methods get more sophisticated

You need a reliable stream of objective customer insights to guide strategic business decisions. The big guys are pouring money into tools to get inside our heads and understand exactly what we want. There are lots of opportunities to make better products or services. You just need to figure out which opportunities are right for your market. And even in a down economy, customer expectations aren’t going to retreat.