This summary outlines key discussions with an R&D scientist at PepsiCo on topics of innovation including generating new ideas, identifying trends, and cultivating an innovative culture.
The interview seems to be allow the access to real insight into the job of innovation manager. Yet It is not specific really to any innovation in the company.
Summary
- What does innovation mean to you?
- Innovation can be incremental or disruptive. True innovation meets unknown needs with unknown solutions through trend forecasting.
- How do you and your team generate new ideas?
- New ideas are generated using random stimuli combinations addressed through “how does this relate?” and “how might we?” questions.
- Can you share 1-3 unique innovation tactics your team relies on?
- The Trend Collective educates on trends through topics like future ingredients, competitor landscapes, and culinary immersions for hands-on learning. An Idea Bank captures concepts during immersions.
- Do you have any specific rituals to reset creativity?
- Creativity is reset through physically engaging activities tied to project topics like gym games for a sports drink project or mixology kits during COVID.
- How do you identify trends? What resources do you use to spot trends and consumer insights?
- Trends are spotted from tools like Trend Hunter, subscriptions, quarterly Trend Treks, and scanning every aisle of every store visited. Social media also provides consumer insights.
- Has there ever been an instance where another industry has inspired you/your company?
- The Sodastream was inspired by psychology research on the “Betty Crocker Egg Effect” and allows personalization for carbonating drinks.
- What makes an innovative company culture? How do you create a culture of innovation?
- An innovative culture has an innovative mindset developed through practice of creativity/exploration in all roles and avenues for curiosity.
- Looking to the future, how will you/your company continue to be a leader in innovation?
- Continued leadership involves a Curiosity Council promoting curiosity as an idea generator, AI for earlier trend identification, and foresighting for multiple potential futures.
Human-Centric Innovation – Innovation Interview (innovationstrategy.com)