BCG-2018年全球最具创新力企业（英文）-2018-28页-1mb

2018 Most Innovative Companies Summary

Core Content

The 2018 report on the most innovative companies highlights the transformative role of digital innovation across industries. It emphasizes that digital technologies have become central to R&D and new-product development, with many leading companies leveraging digital tools to drive innovation. The report identifies key areas of digital innovation, including big data analytics, fast technology adoption, mobile products, and digital design. It also outlines the challenges and strategies for companies aiming to become more digitally innovative.

Main Points

• Digital Innovation Dominance: Digital innovation is now a core focus for leading companies, with 11 of the top 50 companies being digital natives. Seven of the top ten are digital natives, showing the growing influence of digital in innovation.

• Digital Innovation Trends: Four types of digital innovation have gained significant traction:

  • Big data analytics
  • Fast adoption of new technologies
  • Mobile products and capabilities
  • Digital design

• Digital Divide: A significant gap exists between strong and weak innovators in terms of digital capabilities. Strong innovators are more likely to use data analytics, outsource for capabilities, and have digitized innovation processes.

• Challenges for Traditional Companies: Traditional companies face difficulties in adapting to digital innovation, including the need to develop new skills, manage data effectively, and overcome the "not-invented-here" mentality.

• Strategic Implications: Companies must rethink their innovation strategies, focusing on speed, scale, and value. They need to build clear target product profiles, use agile methodologies, and incorporate external innovations through partnerships and acquisitions.

Key Innovations and Companies

The 50 Most Innovative Companies (2018)

• Regional Representation: North America has 27 companies, while Europe increased its presence to 16, up from 10 in 2016.

Digital Innovation Strategy

• What's Possible?
  Digital technologies allow for rapid product development, testing, and market entry. Examples include digitally enabled simulations, 3D printed prototypes, and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) releases.

• How Do We Use Data and Software?
  Data and software are critical in idea generation, product development, and customer engagement. Companies like Stitch Fix use data-driven algorithms to personalize services and manage inventory.

• How Do We Access the Capabilities We Need?
  Companies need to acquire and develop talent in data science, software engineering, and digital design. Partnerships and alliances are essential, especially for traditional firms.

• What Are the Risks of Not Moving Fast Enough?
  Companies that fail to adapt to digital innovation risk becoming obsolete, as seen with Kodak and Wang Laboratories. Digital disruption is accelerating, and traditional approaches are no longer sufficient.

• What Are Leaders Doing?
  Leaders are investing in digital transformation, prioritizing speed and data analytics, and building clear target product profiles. They also use agile methodologies and external collaborations to enhance innovation.

Organizing for Digital Innovation

• Digital Organization Design Principles: Companies need to transform their cultures and structures to support digital innovation. This includes creating cross-functional teams and fostering a digital mindset.

• From Principles to Practice: Leaders are setting up digital innovation units, incubators, and accelerators to support their strategies. They also digitize their IP management and innovation processes.

• A New Approach to Organization: Traditional companies must rethink their operational processes and embrace digital tools to streamline and speed up innovation.

Digital Overhaul for Innovation Operations

• Impact on Innovation Processes: Digital technologies are transforming R&D and product development by enabling automation, data-driven decision-making, and new forms of collaboration.

• Challenges: Companies must develop the necessary skills, technology, and processes to effectively digitize their innovation operations. This requires a transformational mindset and significant investment.

• Case Example: A global automaker has established a digital center to enhance its innovation capabilities through training, process digitization, and resource sharing.

Conclusion

The 2018 report underscores the critical role of digital innovation in driving business success. Companies that embrace digital strategies are redefining innovation, leveraging data and technology to create new products and services. Traditional companies face significant challenges in adapting, but those that invest in digital transformation and adopt agile practices are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape.