Innovation is a crucial factor for the success of any business. However, not all entrepreneurs clearly understand how to define and execute their strategic innovation objectives, or what we refer to as an “Innovation Framework.” What do consultants think about this? What challenges and opportunities do they find? In this article, I share the experiences and advice of four consultants who have supported businesses in Neiva and Espinal through the Alliances for Innovation program in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Insight from Guillermo Solano: “Entrepreneurs are uneasy because they are betting on something that hasn’t happened yet.”

Guillermo Solano, director of the Center for Innovation and creator of the methodology used by previous consultants, explains that entrepreneurs often feel uneasy during this stage because they are betting on something that hasn’t yet materialized, which makes them nervous. Much of the decision-making process in defining the strategic focus relies on “gut feelings” or trends with uncertain futures, rather than market studies. He adds, “Think of Steve Jobs deciding that, out of all the possibilities in the computer world, he would bet on the iPhone.”

This entails a high degree of uncertainty and risk that many entrepreneurs are unwilling to take. Additionally, Solano notes that many entrepreneurs struggle to communicate their vision and generate commitment among their teams and partners.

Recommendations from Guillermo Solano for Enhancing Business Innovation:

1. Adopt an Open and Curious Attitude: Embrace change and new opportunities.

2. Foster a Culture of Innovation: Encourage creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning within the organization.

3. Leverage Experts and Mentors: Seek support from experts to help define and execute innovation projects.

Insight from Nelson Mora: “Companies lack strategic business information and tend to rely on intuition.”

Nelson Mora, a consultant who has worked with various sectors in Neiva, highlights that companies often lack strategic business information and tend to rely on intuition. He observes that most entrepreneurs in Neiva approach their strategic innovation objectives intuitively.

This means there is no clear vision or methodology to generate value through innovation. Mora notes that entrepreneurs frequently confuse innovation with creativity or invention, overlooking market or customer needs.

Recommendations from Nelson Mora for Improving Business Innovation in Neiva:

1. Conduct a Diagnosis: Assess the current situation, identify strengths and weaknesses, and define a unique value proposition.

2. Set Indicators: Establish metrics to measure the impact of innovation actions.

3. Utilize Tools: Employ user-centered design, systems thinking, or lean startup methodologies to develop innovative solutions.

Insight from Andrés Mejía: “Entrepreneurs struggle to formulate a framework that generates organizational value.”

Andrés Mejía, another consultant working with Neiva businesses, emphasizes that entrepreneurs often struggle to create a framework that generates organizational value. He notes that businesses often focus their efforts on convincing customers of their importance rather than enriching or reinventing the organization.

Entrepreneurs tend to believe their product is perfected, directing their innovation objectives toward marketing or communication plans. Their goal becomes “making the market understand” instead of enhancing their market understanding to create a higher value path. Mejía adds that setting strategic and even economic objectives is challenging for entrepreneurs, making the innovation process and achieving tangible results difficult.

Key Insights from Andrés Mejía for Innovating Effectively:

1. Understand the Problem and Context: Grasp the problem to be solved and the operational context.

2. Validate Hypotheses: Regularly validate ideas with customers and end-users, iterating to improve solutions.

3. Draw Inspiration from Success Stories: Look to successful innovation cases within and outside the sector.

Insight from Sebastián Ríos: “Entrepreneurs have a preconceived path but are unsure of its strategic potential.”

Sebastián Ríos, a consultant for businesses in Espinal, highlights that entrepreneurs often have a preconceived path but are unsure of its strategic potential, making it hard to focus.

This uncertainty arises because entrepreneurs lack a global market view and a clear strategy to differentiate from competitors. Ríos indicates that entrepreneurs frequently resist change or exploring new possibilities due to fear of failure or losing what they have built.

Recommendations from Sebastián Ríos for Enhancing Business Innovation in Espinal:

1. Conduct External and Internal Analysis: Evaluate the current situation, identify opportunities and threats, and define the mission and vision.

2. Set SMART Objectives: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.

3. Use Strategic Tools: Employ tools like the Canvas model, empathy map, or SWOT analysis to design the business model and value proposition.

By incorporating these insights and strategies, businesses in Neiva and Espinal can develop robust innovation frameworks, enhancing their ability to navigate uncertainty and achieve sustainable growth.

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