When it comes to open innovation, the key to success resides often in venturing beyond the familiar. As SOSA’s Head of Innovation, my role involves navigating emerging trends across industries and technology landscapes. Staying ahead requires not just knowing where to look but mastering the art of identifying opportunities that lead to the most innovative solutions for our clients.
Dual-Purpose Tech: Bridging Industries for Innovation
One strategy that has proven to be a game-changer is the exploration of dual-purpose technologies. This involves taking a technology developed for one industry and introducing it to another, creating significant value for both corporate entities and startups alike.
Case Study: Food Tech Meets Paper and Pulp
At SOSA, we led a project with a paper and pulp company seeking testing solutions. Through our cross-vertical perspective and technology scouting expertise, we discovered a startup specializing in onsite real-time food testing. The question arose: Could this cutting-edge food technology be applied to inspect certain aspects of the pulp-production process?
The result was a resounding success – our client became the first to market with an innovative solution. The startup's offering diversified to the pulp-production industry but also found applications beyond that. This approach solidified our client's position as a leader and provided them with the ultimate competitive edge.
Holistic Solutions: Addressing challenges from every angle
Our methodology goes beyond the one-size-fits-all approach. Take, for example, a project to optimize the logistics performance of a manufacturer in Brazil. The core solution was a fleet management software, but we didn't stop there.
By incorporating micro-weather prediction for anticipating wildfires and predictive maintenance for trucks, we provided a comprehensive tailored solution for fleet optimization. This holistic approach ensures that our partners gain a competitive advantage by being the only ones to integrate this solution's patchwork.
Often, transformational opportunities are located outside a company's traditional boundaries. SOSA, as your innovation partner, keeps track of emerging technologies across industries and geographies, providing you with access to opportunities you may not have known existed. Having the right partner, like SOSA, ensures you stay ahead of the competition, develop an innovation culture, and maximize your success.