Accelerating business model innovation

The main aim of this paper is to increase understanding of how corporates can accelerate their innovation process. We focus on innovation as a problem solving and co-creation process carried out in cooperation with customers. Our empirical research is based on eleven cases of companies that have developed their innovation acceleration processes. We constructed an innovation acceleration model, the aim of which is to help mature companies transform their innovation approach from a product centric, detail-oriented process to a more user centric process focusing on business opportunities. The case companies found the model very suitable not only for accelerating new business innovation but also for accelerating existing business activities. Therefore, the relevance of the research lies in its importance for practical purposes. From the theoretical contribution point of view, the model draws on earlier studies focusing on innovation management, entrepreneurial research and business models. Thus, the model contributes to the discussion of corporate and start-up innovation, providing an integrating perspective.