A month after Vivatech 2024, the insights from a compelling conference featuring innovation leaders from EDF (Catherine Fraissenon, Head of Open Innovation & Aude Vinzerich, Strategy Innovation Director), Alstom (Michael Haddad, Innovation & Partnership Director), and Orange (Aurélie Santune, Head of Platform & Business Development) remain fresh in my mind. Each company shared unique strategies for collaborating with startups, shedding light on how established firms can foster innovation through these partnerships. Here are the key takeaways from each speaker.
Breaking Down Barriers to Innovation
EDF has cultivated a specialized innovation team with expertise in design, IT, and marketing to support new projects effectively. Each year, they select around 15 projects, often in uncharted territories. By leveraging networks like incubators and other corporates, EDF identifies startups that cater to specific departmental needs.
Orange, through its Orange Fab program present in 25 countries, connects with local startups, offering mentorship and business opportunities. Our Innovation team is already engaging with their Benelux branch based in Brussels. An essential part of their strategy is fostering an innovation culture, with communities facilitating interactions between startups and employees. Orange Venture focuses on financing growth-stage startups.
Alstom collaborates not only with startups but also with universities and large companies. They emphasize credible, specific projects, often drawing inspiration from advanced practices in the automotive industry.
Collaboration Models
EDF employs various collaboration approaches, such as co-development for early-stage projects and funding for more advanced ones. They also offer an immersion program where employees spend a day in a startup, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved.
Orange centralizes interactions with startups to prevent scattered efforts. Each department must financially commit from the outset, ensuring genuine engagement and maximizing project impact.
Alstom uses two procurement processes: traditional and innovation-focused, simplifying administrative procedures to encourage the adoption of innovative solutions. This flexibility is inspired by the automotive sector. Alstom stresses the importance of clearly defining responsibilities and budgets to prevent startups from wasting time.
What Could Lyreco Learn?
These insights are a source of inspiration for us at Lyreco. Embracing open innovation and fostering structured, centralized collaborations with startups can transform our business practices.
By adopting strategies from EDF, Orange, and Alstom, Lyreco can enhance its leadership position, explore new horizons, and better serve our clients and partners. Innovation is
within our grasp. Embracing openness and flexibility will equip us to navigate this dynamic and ever-evolving ecosystem successfully. Let's move forward, be bold, and make innovation our driving force for success!
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