Improving Idea Management System Implementation Practice; Identifying Key Success Factors at China Euro Vehicle Technology AB

Abstract: Studies have shown that it takes time, experience and effective strategies for a company to successfully develop and implement processes that can stimulate and trigger a flow of continuous innovation. Companies that develop and support such process with the help of an Idea Management System face a challenge in selecting and implementing a suitable system. The main purpose of this mixed-method case study at China Euro Vehicle Technology AB (CEVT) is to identify the challenges and key success factors within the implementation practice of an Idea Management System and thereby help the company to improve future implementations. Theoretical findings show that there are two main challenges in successfully running an Idea Management System; lack of employee motivation and subcompartmentalized organizations. Furthermore, many scholars reason that there are three organizational aspects that are important in order to overcome these challenges; culture, communicating the strategy and purpose and leadership. Due to the short-term focus of this case study, we focus on the latter two and identify the key success factors driving a successful implementation. Within communication; using different communication channels and technics to successfully communicate the strategic rationale behind the initiative to all participants is one vital aspects. Within leadership; having all levels of leadership providing strong support for the implementation and allocating time for this practice, is another vital aspect necessary to execute success full implementation practices.