Samenvatting

Innovation in a company is as essential for sustainable development as it is for continuing profitability. Much knowledge is available to innovate processes, products and activities. More is still being generated. However use of that knowledge is lagging behind and much is not used at all. There are many causes for this so called 'innovation paradox'. One in particular that the authors have observed in SME's is that there is an insufficiently clear view on where innovation should be aimed for in a specific business. If that is not clear, it is also uncertain which knowledge is needed. Certainly when it concerns innovation in relation to sustainability, the complexity of the issue hampers a clear view on necessary goals and possible approaches.
A practical method is developed therefore to focus on the key issues which form the company's major challenge for sustainability and continuity: FOCISS method: 'Focussing Innovation Strategy for Sustainability'. Its aim is to connect sustainable development with the core business and business continuity in a relatively easy and fast way. It has been developed and tested in cooperation with different industries: electronic, mechanical and various chemical companies, large ones and SME's. The results are promising.
The method involves a stepwise approach, focussing on key sectors and key issues. An inventory is made of knowledge and views in the company on relevant issues and possible options to address these. Preferably other stakeholders, as authorities and NGO's, are involved. Eventually it leads to the selection of innovation options. The stepwise focussing approach, using interviews and workshops, reduces the amount of work. Only those sectors, and subsequently issues and innovations, are worked out in detail, which are considered to be crucial for continuity. Furthermore by bringing together people and their views on these subjects from the various departments, the visions and knowledge of these issues and options are discussed between people throughout the organisation. It leads to better understanding between the people involved and to real commitment for implementation of the necessary steps.