An important topic of innovation management is business design. It addresses all configuration options, required to successfully and sustainably handle a business area. The progressive commoditization of existing product offerings, the rising (price) competition among others from Asian competitors, an eroding client base as well as a decline in margins often represent an occasion for an analysis and revision of the business design.
Successful products consist of a bundle of benefits, which are precisely adapted to the target market: the starting point is an innovation, which is optimally aligned to the client’s needs and the commercial market requirements. Furthermore, a well-thought-out business model, a coherent positioning in communication, efficient distribution channels, the right level of service, and many others must be taken into account.
Strategic partnerships or the takeover of selected companies are important instruments for a strategic positioning in existing or new markets. The careful selection of market or technology partners enables the access to new client groups and markets, or the addition of missing technologies and products.
What (innovative) business models are suitable to sustainably and successfully deal with newly-identified opportunity areas or adjacent markets?
What are new business models based on digital technology, e.g., M2M, IoT, Industry 4.0?
How to develop value-added services for existing clients as new revenue source?
What position promises profitable and sustainable business?
What is the value proposition for the target market, so that the innovation fulfills the commercial and technical requirements of the target market?
Which benefits (accompanying the core product) are required for a total package, e.g., warranties, service, etc.?
Which value chain partners do we need, in order to attain missing technologies or market access?
Which partners are suitable to fill in our technology or market access gaps?
Who are the suitable M&A candidates for a company?
How can a partnership be managed successfully in the long term?
How can an organization be geared towards growth and change?
How can an effective management of innovation and business development be put in place?
Which company processes lead to successful commercialization of innovations?