Fuzzy Front End of Innovation

The fuzzy front end lies at the initiation end of the innovation process. There tends to be more thinking going on than doing. Koen et al. (2002) describe the following tasks:

1. opportunity identification
2. opportunity analysis
3. idea generation and enrichment
4. idea selection
5. concept definition

These tasks/activities are carried out at the same time and iteratively. This type of list can be very useful for firms thinking about formalizing their innovation activities because it provides a quick check-list against which firms can see what they do and do not do. People often criticize check-lists like this, but I think they are great because they add a much-needed "concreteness" to what is often a very abstract concept. We don't need any more pronouncements on the importance of innovation, we want to know how to do it!

Koen at al. (2002) maintain that these activities are driven and complimented by the leadership, culture, and structure of the firm. In terms of innovation, these factors are either an asset or a liability.

I'd add that having a sense of real urgency is also important. Everybody has heard of the famous "Only the paranoid survive" quote from Intel.


innovation, innovation management, China, Taiwan