Innovation Pipeline Management: Lessons Learned from the Federal Government and Private Sector

摘要

This study was focused on examining a set of programs in both the public and private sectors to determine whether lessons from the programs could be applied toward successful innovation pipeline management (IPM) by government agencies. Building upon a review of the literature on innovation, and discussions with leaders of innovation, the study team identified practices that could serve as models for government agencies seeking to improve their innovative capacity. The team identified practices for consideration at each stage of the innovation pipeline. This includes, for example: creating realistic visions; sourcing early-stage ideas; implementing phase-gate (or stage-gate) processes; providing funding; and, scaling up the best ideas. While the identified practices are not directly transferable as-is, they provide useful food-for-thought as government agencies transform their processes and systems to adjust to the challenges of the twenty-first century.