The roles in an innovation process

Clear role definitions are essential for efficient innovation management. Six primary groups of individuals help establish an innovation process on a sustainable basis: idea authors, innovation managers, innovation coaches, subject matter experts, innovation method specialists, and innovation experts. Idea authors generate new, well-founded innovation concepts, while innovation managers ensure the innovation process runs efficiently by filling different roles with the necessary resources. Innovation coaches support authors with critical questions and creative brainstorming, while experts provide technical feasibility evaluations of ideas. Innovation method specialists offer process improvement, and innovation experts evaluate the benefits and technical feasibility of innovations.