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0:00
Welcome to this first talk
on the front end of innovation,
an increasingly important topic
that has an impact on
the competitiveness
of firms to all types and sizes.
My name is Gunnar Oskarsson.
I am an assistant professor in
innovation at the University
of Iceland and an
owner of Avinningur,
a company specialized
among other things
in consulting in idea management
and idea management systems.
I have a doctorate degree
in innovation management
and the utilization of
information technology
and have been involved in innovation
in various companies for over 20 years.
In this talk, I'm going to
provide you with an insight
into the so-called fuzzy
front end of innovation.
This is the part of
the innovation process
that this perhaps least
developed and offers
good opportunities for improvement.
I will be drawing on the extent
literature, my experience,
and my own research on the topic.
0:53
Let's take a look at what will
be covered in this lecture.
We will start by looking at the
status of innovation and changes
in the development of
emphasis in management
and innovation processes.
Then we will take a look
at the fuzzy front end
and how it fits in the overall
framework of innovation.
This brings us to the main
topic of the presentation,
to gain a deeper
understanding of skills
that are important for the process.
This will then lead us
to the role of leaders
and the impact of their involvement.
Finally, I will summarize
the presentation
by providing an overall picture
of factors that are important
for the front end of innovation.
1:29
Due to rapid changes
in the environment,
innovation is becoming one of
the most important emphasis
in the management of companies.
In order to survive,
firms must innovate.
Because if they don't, the
competition or new companies
will grasp the opportunity
and fill the gap by fulfilling
the needs of customers.
This may even lead the
company to being out
of business, resulting
in dramatic consequences.
First, changes in the environment,
who however also offer opportunities
which companies can exploit.
The most innovative companies will
capitalize on these opportunities,
leading to increased sales,
improved competitive advantage,
and sustainable growth.
