The creation of an internal Innovation Centre
Client
A leading international cosmetics-packaging manufacturer
Challenge
“I need you to start an Innovation Centre.
Oh, and by the way, we have no budget…”
The Approach
Harnessing contacts within three spheres – suppliers, universities and complimentary industries – we created a virtual Academy of Innovation.
Suppliers were asked to forward new technologies or materials which required testing and promotion. We used these as case studies, thinking out-of-the-box to find new ways to utilize them, either in their current state or by creating new products or finishes.
Universities were invited to collaborate and direct a number of their students towards designing innovative cosmetic packaging. This gave successful students exciting openings through work placements at the company. Complimentary industries were approached to share new manufacturing techniques, enabling enhanced products.
The Result
Once this three-pronged approach was tested and put in place, we developed a set of new ideas and presented them to the company’s leading customers.
Customers bought into the approach.
A number of them also bought the rights to the ideas presented.
This all provided the necessary funds required to further the development of the nascent Innovation Academy and bring the concepts into reality. Shortly afterwards, we employed designers and engineers.
With the human resources and the right approach in place, The Innovation Academy became an insurance for the future of the company.
