VIGNETTE
A description of a firm’s approach to an IT management issue, written according to a prescribed template
Working Paper: Vignette
Reorganizing to Innovate More Competitively: Key Lessons From Deutsche Telekom
This vignette describes the key changes that Deutsche Telekom made in prioritizing, funding, and governing innovation projects.
Abstract
Beginning in 2015, Deutsche Telekom changed its approach to innovating in several important ways. Faced with demands to improve the value generated from its investments in digital innovation projects, the company cut back on the areas in which it pursued innovation, and mapped those remaining to a holistic framework. It also introduced a flexible innovation funding track inspired by venture capital; required shared ownership of innovations; and encouraged more integral involvement of external experts in innovation. By 2017, Deutsche Telekom had realized important benefits from this new approach. This vignette describes the key changes that Deutsche Telekom made in prioritizing, funding, and governing innovation projects, and offers important insights for any organization keen to strengthen its culture of innovation.
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About the Author
Nils O. Fonstad, MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
MIT SLOAN CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Founded in 1974 and grounded in the MIT tradition of rigorous field-based research, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading dynamic, global, and information-intensive organizations. Through research, teaching, and events, the center stimulates interaction among scholars, students, and practitioners. More than seventy-five firms sponsor our work and participate in our consortium.
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