Business process management/Method of innovation - incubators

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Summary

Some organizations have internal incubators tasked with keeping abreast of emerging technologies. They specifically seek out new tools and methods for solving problems, proving them out with tangible results on small-scale projects. The responsibility of scaling these new capabilities then transitions to larger, more established entities like Centers of Excellence or Program Management Offices.

BPM programs often start with such incubators. Even after a BPM program is off the ground, this innovation mindset can contribute to areas where the BPM program may be weak. The incubator does not need to disappear. By its very nature, an incubator is typically a smaller, more nimble group, and that group can evolve to meet new demands placed on it.

Some companies call these Tiger Teams. Tiger Teams are tasked with stretching boundaries and demonstrating new possibilities for the engine. This might include prototyping integration mechanisms for a possible project or establishing guidelines for management of the opportunities pipeline.

These incubators are usually provided limited, monitored funding. Members of the team tend to take on multiple responsibilities and work towards delivering results in manageable windows. They can often identify issues or obstacles that prevent real program progress long before a project becomes blocked by the issue, and they do so with limited capital requirements.

Applies to

Charter for the BPM Engine