Innovation Usurping Efficiency as Competitive Differentiator, Says Cutter Consortium

Tekrati on June 11, 2006

Companies have focused on efficiency at the expense of innovation for too long, according to Cutter Consortium, and will now require "an extreme makeover" as innovation becomes the primary competitive differentiator. After 15 years of honing operational efficiency, it has become expected, just like product quality, say the Cutter Consortium Fellows cited here. Shifting the focus to innovation may require some tough decisions, including personnel changes, they say. Four strategies are suggested: Create a budget specifically for innovation. Review all current practices to see if innovation-stifling controls are in place, especially unwritten practices. Consider creating an IT Expert or Entrepreneur position to work as an independent agent with the business. Focus on decreasing time to market by establishing aggressive IT product development goals.