Using metrics to define, monitor and plan innovation capabilities

Sammanfattning: Measuring innovation as a strategic objective allows companies to gauge their performance and  stay competitive. This study examines how the introduction of a metrics-oriented governance  tool can be used to strengthen the innovation performance in an industrial setting. Key  dimensions of capabilities for innovation are identified, and the role of measurement in allowing  a company to become more innovative is discussed. The core findings of the study suggest that  the most prominent innovation capabilities are cross-functional collaboration, organisational  culture, knowledge integrating mechanisms and the existence of a formulated innovation strategy.  These capabilities should not be measured or analysed separately as they depend on each other.  Therefore the set of metrics proposed in this study are meant to provide a holistic view of the  wide range of capabilities that together form the basis for the companies innovativeness.   From a practice-oriented perspective, the thesis aims to build on these two sets of analysis to  propose a set of metrics for the monitoring of innovation capabilities at a specific large,  Swedish-based industrial company. The analysis of the innovation capabilities at the case  company serves as a diagnostary basis for understanding the issues regarding the organisations  innovativeness. A need for further research on how the innovation strategy can be aligned with  the business strategy of the company would be beneficial is also identified.