What are innovation teams?

We already know what innovation is and what types of innovation you can find and apply in your SME. We have read about how you can become an innovative company in general. However, you have to ask yourself, what role do employees play in this mission? The recruitment process is important for SMEs, but even more so for those that want to improve their innovation. That’s why you need to understand what an innovative team is and how you can build it in your SME. Let's start!

Source: own elaboration

Innovation teams often referred to as innovation labs, funds or units – come in a variety of sizes, use a range of techniques, are equipped with different resources, and try to tackle different issues and challenges. What unites innovation teams and labs – and differentiates them from other well-run organisations or teams – is that they are all adopting experimental methods.

Innovation has become a key driver of success in today's dynamic business landscape, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. To foster a culture of innovation and stay competitive, SMEs need to establish dedicated innovation teams within their human resources function. These teams play a crucial role in driving creativity, nurturing talent, and turning ideas into impactful solutions. This text explores the importance of innovation teams in SMEs' human resources and the value they bring to the organization.

Innovation teams in SMEs possess specialized knowledge and expertise in areas such as research, development, design thinking, and problem-solving. Their deep understanding allows them to approach innovation challenges with fresh perspectives and novel approaches. By bringing together individuals with diverse skill sets, innovation teams create a synergy that fosters creativity, collaboration, and breakthrough thinking.

Establishing an innovation culture is essential for long-term success in SMEs. Innovation teams play a crucial role in nurturing this culture by inspiring and motivating employees to think creatively, challenge the status quo, and embrace a growth mindset. Their initiatives, such as innovation challenges, internal campaigns, and recognition programs, encourage employees to actively engage in the innovation process, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Innovation teams are also responsible for managing and coordinating innovation projects from ideation to implementation. They ensure effective project management, resource allocation, and timely execution. By providing structure and guidance throughout the innovation process, these teams increase the chances of successful outcomes and minimize risks associated with innovation projects.

Innovation teams are a vital component of SMEs' human resource’s function. They bring focused expertise, foster cross-functional collaboration, and drive idea generation and evaluation. Moreover, innovation teams nurture an innovation culture, facilitate external collaborations, and effectively manage innovation projects.