Why Your Innovation Team Will Quit on You 3 Years In

Studies have shown that most innovation programs fail after three years, with only 49% of people staying in innovation roles at major corporations. This can be attributed to a lack of defined roles and talent gaps, as companies tend to move people to innovation roles without considering their skills best suited for certain phases of innovation. This results in teams trying to do it all and leaving good ideas unexplored. Organizations must recognize innovation as a core capability and establish clear opportunities for talent development and advancement. One proposed model suggests articulated, realistic, permanent roles with measurable performance and appropriate selection processes, talent development through training and coaching, and clear opportunities for advancement. Additionally, companies need strategic alignment with core business goals and effective innovation processes with technology support.