Editorial note:

  1. This is a working draft, open to feedback and iteration. If you have thoughtful, non-rant-y (!) feedback, please let me know. I'd appreciate your advice on making this better.
  2. This is fairly in-depth for a how-to guide (though I included a TL; DR section). But I hope you find it helpful. For a quick overview, just read (1) the bright orange boxes spread throughout the article or (2) jump all the way to the bottom of the post for my ultimate recommendation and a quick, visual summary of the entire guide.

TL; DR

Defining maturity models in innovation is set up to fail

Unfortunately, creating workable maturity models for Innovation work is harder than it seems at first.

Yes, I'm sure being a ray of sunshine to start here. But hear me out. We will get to something you can use. I promise. We just also must be open-eyed about the challenge that we face in such a simple-seeming topic, too.

Some of the problems:

  • DEFINITION PROBLEM: How can we agree on maturity models if we can't even agree on what "Innovation" is?
  • SCOPE PROBLEM: How can we contain the effort of maturity model creation when "maturity" can encompass a range of topics?
  • TYRANNY OF CHOICE PROBLEM: How can we pick any one maturity model when there is such a dizzying variety from which to choose?
  • EXPERTISE PROBLEM: How can we develop high-quality maturity models when the experts in doing so often don't work in Innovation?

We have a range of existing maturity models

Despite the difficulties, people like to categorize stuff. Same thing here as in other disciplines. And so, you might build your own maturity model atop a variety of starting points.

Those existing. models include:

  • MODELS BY INSIGHTS COMPANIES: E.g., Gartner's "At-a-Glance Management Maturity Model" (from 2011. No, it's not innovation-specific, but it gets discussed in this context, so it's good to know about)
  • MODELS BY SOFTWARE COMPANIES: E.g., Viima's Innovation Maturity Matrix
  • MODELS BY FOUNDATIONS: E.g., the one by the Total Innovation Management (TIM) Foundation
  • MODELS BY CONSULTANCIES: E.g., Deloitte's Digital Innovation Maturity Model (from 2018)

A better approach than any of these models takes effort

Let's be real. "Innovation maturity models" are a really nerdy topic. If you really consider it worth your while, you probably know why you are doing so. But still, it's worth your while to capture your (1) purpose, (2) process, and (3) outcome/ success standards. It will ensure that you don't get lost in the weeds and that your work will serve a true "Must-Do Purpose."

Luckily, you have guides available for all three of these aspects–Purpose, process, and outcome standards. Read on for all of them. In short:

  • PURPOSE: I give you ways to research, summarize, and visualize your purpose.
  • PROCESS: I share a rigorous 7-step process set out by experts in this field for creating good maturity models.
  • SUCCESS STANDARDS: There actually are "best method" standards for assessing the maturity of your innovation work. I share them too. (As an utter geek on this topic, I particularly like these success standards.)

If this approach seems either too over-cranked or too simple, I even offer you simpler and fancier options.

Just to end things happily after all that nerdery, we end on a fun little bonus insight.

May you do (and, with the help of your shiny new framework, also know) the most mature and awesome innovation craft ever!