Improving Internal Idea Generation - Exploring the first phase of the innovation process in Engineering Contractor Inc.

Abstract: Studies have shown that companies, which are skilful in managing the initial phase of the innovation process – the search of promising ideas – are more likely to succeed in the rest of the innovation journey. Nevertheless, this first phase is often given limited attention. The main purpose of this mixed-method case study of Engineering Contractor Inc. (ECI) is to examine the process of internal idea generation and in this way help the company improve their own process for generating new ideas internally. Theoretical results indicate that tools, methods and techniques that enable teams and groups to contribute to the generation of ideas have to be in place, as well as a supportive innovative environment. Empirical findings demonstrate that ECI has some tools, methods and techniques that can be used for idea generation, but in most cases they are not exclusively established with this aim. Additionally, improvement potentials appear to be connected to time allocation, sufficient processes and management support. The final recommendation declares that ECI has to focus on establishing routines specifically aimed at generating new ideas.