Summary : The Other Side of innovation - Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble: Solving the Execution Challenge

This work offers a summary of the book “THE OTHER SIDE OF INNOVATION: Solving the Execution Challenge” by Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble.

Vijay Govindarajan has worked with 25% of the Fortune 500. He is the founding director of Tuck’s Center for Global Leadership and professor of international business at Dartmouth’s school of business. Chris Trimble has worked with dozens of top corporations in a number of countries. He is currently on the teaching staff at Dartmouth’s school of business.

Companies are struggling to make innovation happen. Some give their workers free time to come up with new ideas (innovation = ideas). Some have detailed processes for closing the loop between ideas and execution (innovation = ideas + processes). Others put the burden of innovation on talented individuals (innovation = ideas + leaders).

However, the undeniable fact is that organizations are not designed for innovation. They are optimized for ongoing operations. Innovation must be carried out in partnership with the corporation’s performance engine to be useful. The Other Side of Innovation therefore suggests a more accurate formula for innovation: Innovation = Idea + Leader + Team + Plan.

Govindarajan and Trimble describe the two areas where most attention should be focused, so that the innovation initiative bears fruit. The Other Side of Innovation is an essential reading for anyone wishing to make his or her company successful.