Creation needs to take place across the company. Innovation is often just defined as R&D. But that’s not enough; it’s important to involve everyone in the innovation process and make it accessible across the company.

Middle managers are a vital part of innovation, without them, innovation is lost.

This cross-company innovation framework at Bayer is supported by WeSolve, a digital platform that allows all employees to post any challenges or problems they are facing. Issues submitted can range from a frontline worker in Spain trying to help farmers monitor pesticide levels, to a manager ...

The integration process encompasses two main elements: “connecting the dots” between all the new ideas that are springing up from around the organisation; and selecting, channelling and testing those ideas and deciding whether they are worthy of implementation. 

• Senior leaders must face the reality of an increasingly uncertain business environment, so they naturally recognise the need for continuous innovation.
• Frontline employees are interacting with customers and their issues on a daily basis, so they, t...