The Gatekeepers: Heavy burden of decision making explained
Gatekeepers are individuals responsible for making objective, fact-based decisions at each phase of the product development process. They review documents and assess results against preset criteria, make recommendations for improvements, and provide meaningful feedback to the innovation team. Typically, gatekeepers are senior management professionals chosen for their expertise and knowledge, and their decisions can mean the difference between a project's success or failure. While it is not an easy job, gatekeepers like Mr. Smith play a vital role in ensuring that innovation projects are progressed and commercialized efficiently.