An Innovation Portal…I Can Do That Myself

While it may seem cost-effective, launching and managing an innovation portal internally can lead to community management issues. Experienced third-party innovation providers can often avoid pitfalls and align portal success to corporate expectations, objectives, and ambitions. Before launching a corporate portal, ask yourself six key questions to determine whether to do this internally or through a third party provider. These questions address key issues, such as how to manage the flow of information, how to target the community, and whether the company is aligned with the initiative, among others. Ultimately, a do-it-yourself innovation portal requires a disciplined methodology and a clear, focused determination to succeed.