Institutionalizing innovation management: A case study from the utility industry

Innovation management requires systematic and widely adopted processes in order to be effective at identifying and implementing research and development results. Independent of the industry, the basic framework includes identifying short to long term strategies, developing portfolios which address these goals, managing the subsequent projects, and finally making these innovative solutions available to the organization. This paper uses a case study approach to describe one method of institutionalizing R&D management in the utility industry. The organization's use of roadmapping, portfolio selection, project management, and technology transfer are discussed. As well, lessons learned are captured to help readers avoid similar barriers.