Innovation Agenda: Bridging the Gap Between Ideation and Execution
Strategies to Scale Innovation Sustainably and with Agility
From the early days of database systems in the 1970s to today’s rapid developments in AI, the pace and scope of change have been remarkable. Innovation is no longer just a differentiator but the lifeblood of businesses today. Yet organizations struggle to overcome the gap between ideation and execution.
This "innovation-execution gap" doesn’t stem from technical shortcomings but rather from a mismatch between vision and action. So, how can we bridge this gap and innovate at scale?
Understanding the “Innovation-Execution” Gap
The technology industry spends over $700 billion annually on Research and Development (R&D), which is a substantial figure. Yet a study found that nearly half of CEOs are uncertain about their companies' long-term viability and believe they need to evolve to stay competitive.This statistic reveals that despite significant investments in innovation, many companies struggle to move 'from prototype to a winning product.' Why does this happen?
A key aspect of innovation is turning your ideas into scalable solutions. That’s where most organizations hit a wall. Whether AI models, digital experiences, or operational optimization, the real challenge lies in quickly scaling these ideas.
Key Strategies to Scale Innovation
1. Leadership Commitment and Vision
Many leaders point to regulations and market factors as obstacles to innovation. Yet, others in similar roles have managed to achieve innovation at scale. So, what separates the former from the latter
Successful leaders provide resources, tackle process challenges, and build an agile team culture. They create an environment where innovation is not just imagined but realized.
They also focus on measuring success more meaningfully, such as tracking customer experience, speed to market, and breakthroughs in new products or features.
2. Technology and AI
Technologies like Generative AI (GenAI) are transforming sectors in a big way. For instance, Nvidia’s advancements in AI and accelerated computing have not only positioned it as a market leader but are also influencing other sectors, driving massive innovation. Also, many organizations are increasingly adopting digital twins and low-code platforms to democratize innovation, empowering low-tech and no-tech employees to create solutions with minimal intervention.
Looking at how innovation has evolved recently, I genuinely believe that not every innovation has to be groundbreaking. The ongoing effort to improve and develop is what drives real progress.
3. Innovation Labs and Centers of Excellence
Innovation labs and Centers of Excellence (CoEs) provide environments where creativity can thrive. These spaces allow individuals to experiment, prototype, and refine ideas without the usual pressures of day-to-day operations.
At Tech Mahindra, our Makers Lab is one such environment where we explore cutting-edge technologies. It's a space that allows us to collaborate closely with clients, partners, and academic institutions to co-create solutions that address real-world challenges.
4. Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Collaboration
No organization can innovate in isolation. Collaborations with startups, universities, and industry peers are crucial for unlocking breakthrough ideas. Tech Mahindra’s partnership with Mahindra University shows how industry-academia collaboration can solve complex challenges. The university, equipped with advanced technology and cutting-edge labs, works alongside Tech Mahindra’s Makers Lab on projects that address real-world industry needs.
From a partner ecosystem perspective, the Indian tech industry has consistently benefited from platforms like NASSCOM. Such platforms drive focused innovation and enable Indian IT companies to influence the global tech landscape.
5. Reverse Innovation
Professor Vijay Govindarajan's book Reverse Innovation, co-authored with Chris Trimble, introduces a novel idea that innovations created for emerging markets can also succeed in developed economies. I found the book’s tagline, “Create far from home, win everywhere," to be compelling.
Reverse innovation is an increasingly seen trend in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asian countries. Dubai’s ambition to become a global tech hub and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have set new international standards. Similarly, GE Healthcare’s low-cost ECG machines, developed in India, are now sold worldwide, while Saudi Arabia’s Neom project is reimagining urban living. The IMEA region is emerging as an innovation hub, tapping into local talent while attracting global expertise to build its version of Silicon Valley.
Conclusion
Transforming innovative ideas into scalable solutions requires not only investment but a shift in mindset, combining leadership with the right technological tools and a culture of collaboration. The strategies I have explored provide a clear path for organizations to move beyond initial hurdles and embrace scalable innovation with agility. When put into action, these strategies not only help businesses thrive in their industries but also drive progress toward solving global challenges.
