How to drive innovation? Analyzing the innovation process underlying the current program structure at Daimler FC think! tank

Abstract

This thesis assesses the innovation programs offered by Daimler Finance and Controlling think! tank with regard to the comprehensiveness of steps in the innovation process they cover. Innovation has long been acknowledged as a main driver of competitiveness and growth, with researchers highlighting the need to view innovation as a process. To support FC think! tank in finding possible ways of innovation program improvement, an ideal-typical innovation process is derived from the literature and compared to the structure of the FC think! tank programs, which are addressed in more detail in a short case about the unit. It is recommended that the programs should possibly extend their structure to support innovation teams more comprehensiv