A proposed framework for developing a corporate roadmap towards sustainable innovation and technology adoption

Abstract

In 2016, a beverage company in South Africa called Alpha underwent a major merger and change of ownership whilst trying to navigate a challenging macro environment. As a result, conflicting business models and ineffective innovation have resulted in a lack of innovation and an inefficient supply chain in the company. The business and innovation challenges experienced by Alpha generated the research objectives of this study, which were to identify inhibitors to the company’s drive for innovation and to develop a framework for a strategic corporate roadmap to enable Alpha to initiate and sustain innovation and adopt technology in the future. A theoretical framework was developed from a review of corporate innovation literature and included scenario analysis and PESTLE and SWOT analyses as methodologies. The framework was tested in Alpha, as a single case study, and the Delphi technique was applied to interview company experts regarding the potential outcome of three scenarios, namely the impact of electricity, water, and food shortages on the company. Analysis of the responses indicated that the block on innovation was not the result of a lack of ideas from employees, but rather the lack of a proper forum to brainstorm and present them. Innovation potential was dormant within the business, and the correct tools and framework were needed to guide it; the framework was developed to create a sustainable, long-term innovation implementation and technology adoption plan for the business. While the framework has limitations, it does offer the business an actionable work plan that can engage creative thought, give direction to technical teams, and mitigate new competitor risks.