Idea management in the digital era: why step 7 is crucial
Anyone looking at innovation and change in organisations today cannot ignore the topic of idea management. This is no longer just about classic brainstorming, but about systemic, sustainable processes that benefit from new technologies and methods. The KIROI concept has proven particularly successful in this regard, with its step 7 specifically promoting collaboration between different departments, thereby providing sustainable impetus for the entire company[1]. Idea management thus becomes a driver for digital transformation.
Understanding KIROI Step 7: Networking Creates Innovation
The strength of the KIROI approach lies in transforming idea management into a structured process that actively involves various departments within a company. Step 7 – „Ideas for Other Departments“ – encourages looking beyond one's own immediate scope. Companies repeatedly experience valuable synergies when, for example, customer service, IT, and marketing work together on new concepts [1][3]. Only in this way are solutions created that keep the bigger picture in mind and deliver genuine added value.
Many of our clients in transruptions coaching report that they rarely achieve top performance with traditional idea management because the best ideas often lie dormant in other departments. KIROI Step 7 provides methods that enable teams to come together in a targeted manner, share knowledge and grow together[1][3]. This step is essential, especially in industries that are characterised by rapid, technology-driven change.
Practical examples of idea management with KIROI - Step 7
A vivid example: An international financial services company uses KIROI Step 7 to develop innovative approaches to customer loyalty. The IT department provides technical insights, while sales contributes practical experience. The result is an app that personalises consulting services, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
Equally impressive: a medium-sized special machine manufacturer is launching a project where development, production, and purchasing are jointly optimising processes. Using AI-powered tools, they are identifying bottlenecks that individual departments would not have solved on their own – thereby noticeably increasing overall efficiency[1].
And finally: a healthcare service provider develops an intranet portal with Step 7, through which all employees can submit and discuss suggestions for improvements. This allows innovation to unfold beyond traditional hierarchies.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)
The management of a logistics company was specifically looking for ways to professionalise its internal idea management and establish new digital solutions. As part of KIROI coaching, Step 7 was systematically implemented: regular cross-departmental workshops were held in which representatives from technology, warehouse, dispatch, and accounting collaboratively developed digital workflows. The biggest challenge was establishing an open error culture to encourage innovative suggestions. In the end, a digital portal was created that allowed all participants to submit and evaluate process optimisations and technical solutions. Through this structure, the implementation rate for suggestions for improvement increased by over 40 percent within one year, and employees felt more connected to the company.
Action recommendations for successful idea management
If you want to establish KIROI step 7 in your organisation, you should first initiate fixed dialogue formats. Examples include regular innovation workshops or interdisciplinary project groups in which different perspectives come together in a targeted manner[1][3]. It is important to cultivate a culture of open communication and break down inhibitions.
Clients often report that tools such as digital whiteboards or community platforms provide additional support to the process. Agile methods like Design Thinking or Scrum also help to make idea management dynamic and transparent.
Our transruption coaching specifically supports organisations in implementing KIROI Step 7. Together, we develop strategies that are precisely tailored to individual challenges and company goals – and thus allow the potential of the entire team to unfold fully.
The interplay of technology and culture in idea management
Technology alone is not enough to revolutionise idea management. The corporate culture in which innovations can thrive is crucial. Companies that establish a culture of acceptance of mistakes, where learning from failures is permitted, benefit particularly strongly from new methods. KIROI Step 7 targets precisely this by bringing departments together and enabling collective growth[3].
Digital tools such as AI-powered analysis platforms, chatbots, or intelligent recruitment systems provide impetus, but must always be accompanied by an appreciative culture. Only then will ideas become sustainable innovations.
My analysis
Idea management remains a key success factor for companies in all sectors - especially when it succeeds in bringing together different perspectives and competences. KIROI Step 7 offers a tried-and-tested approach that takes both the technological and cultural dimensions into account. Those who consistently implement this step create the basis for continuous improvement, genuine innovation and long-term competitiveness.
Further links from the text above:
AI as a threat or opportunity in times of skilled labour shortage [1]
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence according to the requirements of the EU AI ACT – Practical Workshop [3]
Artificial Intelligence training programme - Management Circle [4]
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Artificial intelligence here.
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