Innovation Champions in Agile Sprints: A Framework for Identification and Integration

Agile sprint processes are increasingly utilized within organizations due to a more dynamic environment and pressure for innovation. Innovation champions, as driving individuals of innovation, are being recognized as critical factors for the success of innovation projects. Previous studies have mainly analyzed the role of innovation champions and team composition in agile sprints separately. This research aims to develop a framework for identifying innovation champions and integrating them into sprints. The research question is: "How can innovation champions be identified within organizations and integrated into agile sprints?" To answer this research question, a three-step methodology is chosen: Firstly, the state of the art is reviewed in the literature. Secondly, qualitative interviews with eleven experts, using a semi-structured guide, are conducted for empirical research. The aim of the interviews is to analyze the sprint methodology used in the organizations and the environment provided for the sprints. This provides data on the extent to which innovation champions are integrated into sprint teams and what role and influence they assume. Thirdly, a category system for possible fields of action is derived and a set of recommendations for organizations is developed. The results show that innovation champions are often an essential element in sprints. The role and influence of innovation champions in sprints depend on different internal factors and it is revealed that due to everyday business constraints, the focus is often too much on availability and organizational structures rather than individual talents. The resulting framework from this research can support organizations by providing criteria and processes to ensure the identification of innovation champions in organizations and their integration into sprints. It shows to be crucial to give innovation champions the freedom to leverage their strengths and fully benefit from the agility of sprints.