Resources

Why 70% of Innovation Projects Fail

The gap between strategy and execution is where most innovation dies. Teams build based on assumptions rather than evidence. Internal politics slow everything down. And most consultancies just deliver recommendations without accountability for results.

The solution: Validate before you invest. Move fast through structured processes. Work with partners who are accountable for outcomes, not just deliverables.

The Design Sprint Advantage

Traditional product development takes 6-18 months to learn whether an idea works. Design Sprints compress that to 5 days. The cost of learning drops by 90%+, and teams can test multiple directions before committing resources.

When to use it: New product concepts, major feature decisions, complex problems with multiple stakeholders, or any situation where faster learning creates competitive advantage.

AI Strategy That Actually Works

Most enterprise AI initiatives fail because they start with technology, not business problems. They pick exciting AI capabilities and look for applications, rather than identifying high-value problems and finding AI solutions.

The approach: Start with business outcomes. Identify processes where AI can create measurable value. Pilot small, prove ROI, then scale. And always build GDPR compliance in from day one.

From Prototype to Global

The hardest part of innovation isn't the idea—it's the last mile. Getting from working prototype to worldwide distribution requires production partnerships, fulfillment infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

What it takes: End-to-end capability or partnerships that provide it. We've built production and fulfillment across three continents, which is why we can take ventures from concept to global distribution in 18 months.

What is a Design Sprint?

A Design Sprint is a 5-day structured process developed by Google Ventures for validating business ideas and solving complex problems through rapid prototyping and user testing. The methodology compresses months of work into a single week, delivering validated solutions or clear evidence that a direction won't work—before significant investment.

How do you validate a business idea?

Business idea validation follows a structured de-risking approach: (1) Problem validation—confirm the problem exists and matters, (2) Solution validation—test whether your solution addresses it, (3) Market validation—verify sufficient market size and willingness to pay, (4) Feasibility validation—assess technical and operational viability, (5) Business model validation—test revenue model and unit economics.

What does an innovation consultancy do?

Innovation consultancies help organizations identify, validate, and commercialize new products, services, and business models. The best ones combine strategic consulting with execution capability—moving from idea to market, not just from problem to recommendation. Services typically include strategy development, Design Sprints, prototyping, validation, and go-to-market support.

How do you implement AI in enterprise operations?

Enterprise AI implementation requires: (1) Assessment—audit processes for automation potential, identify high-value opportunities, assess data readiness, (2) Pilot—build minimum viable AI solution, test in controlled environment, measure impact, (3) Scale—expand to production, integrate with systems, train teams. Critical success factors include starting with business problems (not technology), ensuring data quality, and maintaining GDPR compliance.

How much does a Design Sprint cost?

Design Sprint costs vary based on complexity and facilitator experience. Enterprise-grade sprints with experienced facilitators typically range from €15,000-€50,000 for a full 5-day engagement. The investment is justified by the learning compressed: what might take 6-18 months of traditional development happens in one week, allowing faster pivots and reduced risk.

What is the difference between strategy consulting and innovation consulting?

Strategy consultancies (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) focus on analysis, frameworks, and recommendations. Innovation consultancies focus on building—taking ideas from concept to market. The best innovation consultancies combine strategic rigor with execution capability, providing accountability for outcomes rather than just deliverables.