Measured Innovation with Ben Bensaou of INSEAD 2/2

27 Aug 2022 · 41 min
40:44

In this interview Ian Peterman talks with Ben Bensaou, author of Built to Innovate, about how large organisations can systematically foster innovation. Bensaou argues that innovation is hampered by two main gaps: the distance between R&D/scientists and the frontline staff who interact with customers, and the distance between the organisation and the broader ecosystem of non‑customers such as regulators, suppliers and influencers. He illustrates the gaps with concrete stories – the accidental discovery of P&G’s Magic Eraser from BASF’s Basotect foam, Philips’ kettle with a limescale filter uncovered by living with UK families, and Ecocem’s low‑carbon cement that succeeded by lobbying regulators. He stresses the need to listen to three layers of customer input: the explicit voice, the silent unmet needs, and weak signals. Bensaou also describes how BASF transformed its relationship with automakers from a commodity coating supplier to a joint‑development partner, showing that business‑model innovation can be as powerful as product innovation. The conversation moves to organisational culture: rotating cross‑functional teams, giving employees permission and simple tools to innovate, and creating platforms that democratise idea‑sharing. Bensaou contrasts Western “genius‑entrepreneur” narratives with Asian models of continuous, process‑driven innovation, noting that systematic training (e.g., BASF’s Perspective program) can teach anyone to innovate. Finally, they discuss how fostering innovation improves employee engagement, talent retention, and can be a competitive advantage in a world where routine tasks are automated.

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