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9 strategies and tactics for Innovation Lab

What is Innovation Lab strategy?

Every great achievement starts with a well-thought-out plan. It can be the launch of a new product, expanding into new markets, or just trying to increase efficiency. You'll need a delicate combination of strategies and tactics to ensure that the journey is smooth and effective.

Finding the right Innovation Lab strategy can be daunting, especially when you're busy working on your day-to-day tasks. This is why we've curated a list of examples for your inspiration.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own Innovation Lab strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

Innovation Lab strategy examples

You'll find below a list of Innovation Lab tactics. We also included action items for each template to make it more practical and useful.

Strategies and tactics for creating an Innovation Culture in Your Business

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Empower Employees

    • Provide training sessions focused on creative thinking and problem-solving
    • Establish an open-door policy to encourage idea sharing
    • Allocate specific time each week for employees to work on innovative projects
    • Create a rewards programme for innovative ideas that are implemented
    • Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to foster diverse perspectives
    • Provide the necessary tools and resources for innovation
    • Promote a risk-taking mindset by celebrating failures as learning opportunities
    • Set up an internal innovation lab for testing new ideas
    • Host regular brainstorming sessions and workshops
    • Establish a mentorship programme linking experienced staff with potential innovators

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Leadership Involvement

    • Leaders to publicly communicate the importance of innovation to the business
    • Incorporate innovation-related goals in leadership performance reviews
    • Leaders to actively participate in innovation initiatives
    • Provide innovation-related training for leadership team to lead by example
    • Organise regular feedback sessions between the leadership team and employees
    • Align innovation strategies with the company’s vision and mission
    • Create a steering committee for continuous innovation evaluation
    • Encourage leaders to network with innovation-driven organisations
    • Leaders to showcase successful innovation case studies within the company
    • Include innovation topics in regular leadership meetings

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Develop an Innovation Framework

    • Define what innovation means for the business context
    • Establish clear processes and infrastructure to support innovation
    • Identify key areas in the business for potential innovation
    • Install an idea management platform for idea submission and tracking
    • Regularly analyse industry trends for innovative opportunities
    • Develop metrics to measure innovation success and impact
    • Assign dedicated innovation champions within the business
    • Schedule regular updates and reviews of the innovation framework
    • Celebrate successes to maintain momentum and engagement
    • Document and disseminate lessons learned from innovation projects
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Strategic Plan for 2025/2026

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance Infrastructure and Resources

    • Identify potential spaces within the college for developing a dedicated laboratory
    • Draft a proposal to secure funding for laboratory equipment and reagents
    • Collaboratively work with college administration to allocate a dedicated office space
    • Engage suppliers for competitive quotes on necessary laboratory equipment
    • Establish a partnership with external laboratories for temporary use of their facilities
    • Develop a timeline for lab setup and equipment installation
    • Recruit volunteers or student assistants to support the lab setup process
    • Research and apply for grants related to educational resources for laboratory technology
    • Set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise additional funds for resources
    • Regularly review and update the equipment and technology to meet industry standards

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Elevate Academic Program

    • Draft a curriculum proposal to upgrade from Diploma to Degree level
    • Present the proposal to the college board for approval
    • Consult with academic experts to ensure curriculum aligns with industry standards
    • Organise a workshop to train faculty on the new curriculum
    • Form a committee to ensure smooth transition to the degree program
    • Implement a pilot program for select courses at the degree level
    • Develop partnerships with hospitals and clinics for student internships
    • Initiate a mentorship program involving industry professionals
    • Regularly assess and improve the academic content based on student feedback
    • Plan and host annual events to showcase student projects and research

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Increase Visibility and Enrollment

    • Launch a marketing campaign highlighting the new degree program
    • Create promotional materials showcasing department achievements
    • Utilise social media platforms to reach a wider audience
    • Organise open days for prospective students and parents
    • Collaborate with high schools to promote the program to students
    • Offer scholarships or incentives for top-performing students
    • Participate in educational fairs to attract potential students
    • Implement a referral program incentivising current students to recruit peers
    • Engage alumni in outreach and branding activities
    • Feature success stories of graduates in college publications and local media
infrastructure-developmentacademic-advancementlab-managermarketing-specialistcurriculum-development-teammarketing-team
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Strategies and tactics for advancing knowledge and developing employable graduates

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance curriculum relevance

    • Consult with industry leaders to identify skills gaps in current graduates
    • Incorporate real-world case studies and projects into course modules
    • Regularly update course content to reflect changes in economic theories and practices
    • Introduce interdisciplinary courses that combine economics with technology and innovation
    • Develop partnerships with businesses for student internships and placements
    • Organise guest lectures and seminars with industry professionals
    • Facilitate student access to economic data and analytics tools
    • Encourage student research projects aimed at solving current economic issues
    • Develop workshops focusing on soft skills such as communication and teamwork
    • Implement periodic reviews and feedback sessions with alumni to update course effectiveness

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Foster innovation and diversity

    • Promote a culture of innovation by establishing an ideas lab or innovation hub
    • Encourage participation in national and international economics competitions
    • Organise hackathons and innovation challenges relevant to economic problems
    • Create scholarships and support systems for underrepresented groups in economics
    • Include diverse perspectives and case studies in curricula
    • Develop mentoring programmes linking diverse students with alumni
    • Host cultural awareness workshops and diversity training sessions
    • Encourage collaborative projects with diverse teams in class assignments
    • Establish partnerships with international universities for student exchanges
    • Promote language learning as a means to enhance global economic understanding

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Engage with the community and businesses

    • Conduct community outreach programmes to share economic knowledge
    • Establish a community advisory board to guide curriculum development
    • Organise economic forums and public lectures open to the public
    • Partner with local businesses for co-operative educational programmes
    • Run annual economic impact reports assessing regional economic challenges
    • Develop community-focused economic research projects for students
    • Collaborate with government and NGOs on economic policy discussions
    • Launch a newsletter showcasing academic and student achievements
    • Offer consultation services to local startups and businesses
    • Promote participation in local economic development initiatives
curriculum-relevancecommunity-engagementindustry-consultantcurriculum-developerdiversity-committeeinnovation-lab-team
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Strategic Plan for AI Unit

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Implement AI solutions for organisational efficiency

    • Conduct an organisational needs analysis to identify areas where AI can improve efficiency
    • Develop AI-powered tools for internal use such as chatbots for HR queries
    • Implement an AI-driven project management tool to streamline task assignments and tracking
    • Use AI to automate data entry and management processes
    • Introduce AI-based predictive maintenance for IT infrastructure
    • Deploy machine learning models to optimise energy consumption
    • Train staff on the use of new AI tools via workshops and seminars
    • Establish clear KPIs for measuring improvements in productivity
    • Create an AI task force to oversee the implementation of AI solutions
    • Monitor and adjust AI solutions regularly to ensure they are meeting organisational needs

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance AI product quality

    • Conduct market research to identify customer needs and preferences
    • Develop a comprehensive product development pipeline with clear stages and review points
    • Integrate customer feedback loops into product development to continually refine offerings
    • Utilise AI for quality control in product testing phases
    • Foster collaboration between AI engineers and domain experts to improve product features
    • Invest in data collection and labelling to improve model accuracy
    • Implement an AI-driven CRM system to automate customer interactions
    • Ensure compliance with privacy regulations in AI development processes
    • Utilise cloud-based resources to expand computational capabilities
    • Develop partnerships with research institutions for cutting-edge AI technologies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Cultivate a robust AI ecosystem

    • Define the AI team's mission and vision aligned with company goals
    • Develop strategic partnerships with other tech firms in the AI space
    • Invest in ongoing training programs to upskill AI personnel
    • Establish an AI innovation lab to explore new product ideas
    • Organise hackathons and innovation challenges to stimulate creative solutions
    • Create an internal AI knowledge base for shared learning
    • Implement a performance evaluation system specifically for AI projects
    • Secure funding for AI initiatives through internal budgeting or external grants
    • Develop an adaptive project timeline to accommodate agile development practices
    • Regularly review and revise the strategic plan based on industry trends and performance metrics
ai-solutionsproductivityai-engineerhr-managerai-innovation-labproject-management-team
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Strategies and tactics for reinforcing Google’s Innovation Strategy

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Strengthen internal innovation culture

    • Expand the sprint master academy to include more departments
    • Enhance the CSI lab programme with advanced digital tools and resources
    • Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to foster diverse design thinking
    • Introduce innovation champions in each team to guide new initiatives
    • Conduct regular feedback sessions to refine innovation processes
    • Establish an internal innovation awards system to recognize efforts
    • Implement a mentorship programme focused on innovation skills
    • Facilitate monthly 'innovation days' for employees to work on passion projects
    • Provide access to external innovation experts for guest lectures
    • Measure the impact of training on innovation outputs annually

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Accelerate development in partnerships and external collaborations

    • Identify and pursue partnerships with emerging tech leaders
    • Increase funding for promising startups through GV
    • Host annual global hackathons with Google for startups
    • Routinely evaluate partnership outcomes to optimise strategies
    • Create a dedicated task force for partnership development
    • Develop a metrics system to track partnership success
    • Offer joint-venture opportunities to smaller tech innovators
    • Strengthen ties with academia for research-based innovations
    • Provide co-working spaces for strategic partners
    • Continuously assess market trends to inform partnership directions

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance disruptive innovation efforts

    • Increase R&D investment in groundbreaking projects at X – The Moonshot Factory
    • Identify potential disruptive technologies through market research
    • Set up an innovation council to prioritise and fund high-impact ideas
    • Foster a culture of risk-taking by celebrating failures as learning opportunities
    • Leverage AI and data analytics for informed decision-making
    • Facilitate a quarterly review of X’s projects to align with company goals
    • Create cross-industry symposiums to explore innovative applications
    • Develop rapid prototype development courses for X team members
    • Document and share success stories internally for motivation
    • Invest in technology infrastructure to support innovation experiments
innovation-cultureexternal-collaborationsinnovation-championsprint-masterr&d-teampartnership-development-team
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Strategies and tactics for implementing an Innovation Strategy for Google

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance internal innovation capabilities

    • Expand the scope of the sprint master academy to include more cross-departmental training
    • Increase the number of community of practice groups to cover emerging technological areas
    • Enhance the CSI Lab training to incorporate latest innovation tools and methodologies
    • Facilitate regular knowledge sharing sessions between different innovation initiatives
    • Develop a resource hub for best practices and case studies within Google's innovation teams
    • Establish clear metrics to evaluate the impact and success of innovation training programs
    • Incentivise employees to participate in innovation-focused training and activities
    • Collaborate with external innovation experts to bring fresh perspectives into training modules
    • Create virtual reality simulations for more immersive innovation training experiences
    • Integrate employee feedback mechanisms to constantly improve innovation training programs

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Strengthen external partnerships and collaborations

    • Identify key industry leaders for potential strategic partnerships
    • Develop a streamlined process for evaluating and selecting external partners
    • Regularly review ongoing partnerships to ensure alignment with corporate goals
    • Host joint innovation workshops with partners to ideate on mutual challenges
    • Foster partnerships with research institutions for collaborative innovation projects
    • Create joint marketing campaigns showcasing success stories from partnerships
    • Develop shared innovation goals and KPIs with each partner for accountability
    • Organise networking events to introduce and connect different partners
    • Utilise digital platforms to facilitate collaboration across geographically dispersed teams
    • Conduct post-project retrospectives with partners to identify lessons learned

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Accelerate venture funding and incubation efforts

    • Increase the funding available through GV for diversification into new sectors
    • Establish a fast-track program for high-potential startups within Google for Startups
    • Regularly assess investment portfolio to reallocate resources to high-performing ventures
    • Enhance mentorship offerings to support startups through experienced Google mentors
    • Organise global startup challenges to identify and nurture disruptive innovations
    • Incorporate sustainability as a key criterion in venture funding decisions
    • Develop analytics tools to track the growth and success of incubated startups
    • Offer workshops on investment strategies for startups linked to Google’s ecosystem
    • Provide legal and regulatory assistance to startups entering complex markets
    • Catalyse the incubation of multiple early-stage innovations simultaneously for better outcomes
innovationpartnershipsinnovation-strategistventure-capitalisttraining-and-development-teampartnership-management-team
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Strategic Framework for University Growth

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance Campus Infrastructure and Facilities

    • Upgrade and decorate lecture rooms and seminar spaces
    • Expand and upgrade medical, engineering, and IT laboratories
    • Develop a new library expansion project
    • Establish a second medical laboratory
    • Install a robust IT structure with green and sustainable technology
    • Open a new campus branch in a strategic location
    • Replace and upgrade university's transport vehicles
    • Collaborate with public and private sectors for infrastructure investment
    • Implement eco-friendly practices in all campus operations
    • Develop and enforce strong health and safety guidelines

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Foster Academic Growth and Student Engagement

    • Revise and enhance the academic curriculum regularly
    • Introduce student empowerment and development programs
    • Integrate co-curricular activities to promote holistic learning
    • Provide mentoring and tutoring systems for student support
    • Expand transformational education experiences with global outreach
    • Implement a comprehensive enrolment management plan
    • Offer competitive scholarships and financial aid
    • Encourage community engagement through volunteering and projects
    • Foster an inclusive and collaborative educational environment
    • Implement quality recruitment processes for diverse and skilled faculty

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen Research and Resource Management

    • Prioritise socio-economic research in university's agenda
    • Create partnerships with local and international organisations
    • Develop a strategic financial plan for sustainable funding
    • Enhance the university's internal and external communication
    • Introduce a robust monitoring and assessment framework
    • Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
    • Strengthen the support for research activities and infrastructure
    • Develop a resource utilisation policy for efficiency
    • Organise seminars and workshops to showcase research
    • Provide training for staff on resource management and efficiencies
infrastructure-improvementacademic-excellenceuniversity-administratorcurriculum-developerinfrastructure-developmentacademic-affairs
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Strategies and tactics for expanding Sterling Tour and Travel Agency into the Kenyan Market

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Forge strategic partnerships

    • Identify and partner with a medium-sized Kenyan tour and travel agency
    • Leverage the local partner’s market knowledge and customer base
    • Align services to meet local cultural and tourist preferences
    • Ensure clear communication channels with partners
    • Negotiate mutually beneficial terms in partnership agreements
    • Engage local travel influencers to promote joint offerings
    • Create co-branded marketing materials with local partners
    • Host joint events and travel expos to increase brand visibility
    • Develop shared objectives and performance metrics
    • Regularly review and refine partnership strategies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Adapt services to local market conditions

    • Research and understand customer preferences in Kenya
    • Develop Kenya-specific travel packages including popular destinations
    • Implement a pricing strategy that reflects local purchasing power
    • Offer flexible payment options tailored to Kenyan market needs
    • Launch culturally immersive experiences like safaris and heritage tours
    • Translate marketing materials into Swahili and other local languages
    • Align services with environmental and cultural preservation initiatives
    • Conduct training sessions for employees on local customs and practices
    • Incorporate feedback from local customers into service offerings
    • Regularly update offerings based on seasonal tourist trends

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance marketing and brand awareness

    • Launch social media campaigns targeting Kenyan travellers
    • Partner with local influencers to widen digital reach
    • Participate in local and international travel expos
    • Utilise radio and print media to reach different demographics
    • Highlight local partnerships in marketing communications
    • Develop emotional and engaging storytelling content
    • Create promotional videos showcasing Kenyan attractions
    • Establish a customer referral programme
    • Leverage customer testimonials in marketing materials
    • Conduct surveys to measure brand awareness and adapt strategies
partnershipslocalizationstrategic-plannermarketing-specialistmarketing-teambusiness-development-team
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Marketing and Communications

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Strengthen brand recognition and awareness

    • Conduct a brand audit to identify strengths and areas for improvement
    • Create a unified branding guideline to be distributed across all departments
    • Organise a series of brand-focused workshops for FNU staff
    • Develop a consistent messaging strategy highlighting FNU's dual roles
    • Engage professional designers to update FNU's visual identity
    • Leverage successful alumni stories in marketing materials and campaigns
    • Launch a digital campaign featuring student testimonials and experiences
    • Collaborate with influencers and media for broader reach
    • Use targeted social media ads to reach potential students
    • Monitor brand perception through regular surveys and social listening

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance stakeholder engagement and partnerships

    • Map out key stakeholders and create a targeted engagement plan
    • Develop an alumni relations strategy that includes networking events
    • Launch a newsletter for staff, students, and alumni to foster connection
    • Establish partnerships with local and international businesses
    • Organise industry panels and talks at FNU to increase visibility
    • Promote collaborative research initiatives with partner institutions
    • Host bi-annual stakeholder forums to discuss university progress
    • Develop student ambassador programs to engage current and prospective students
    • Launch campaigns highlighting student achievements in local communities
    • Implement stakeholder feedback mechanisms to improve relationships

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Drive a digital transformation and innovation in marketing

    • Adopt advanced digital marketing tools and platforms
    • Create a dedicated content team for social media management
    • Introduce monthly podcasts focusing on trends and experiences at FNU
    • Enhance the FNU website with a user-friendly experience
    • Run SEO and content marketing campaigns to increase organic reach
    • Engage in targeted email marketing for different audience segments
    • Invest in analytics tools to assess digital campaign performance
    • Produce engaging video content showcasing the university's offerings
    • Use virtual reality for interactive virtual tours of campus facilities
    • Launch digital education initiatives to support online learning goals
brand-recognitiondigital-transformationmarketing-managercommunications-specialistpublic-relationsdigital-marketing
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How to track your Innovation Lab strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Setting good strategies is only the first challenge. The hard part is to avoid distractions and make sure that you commit to the plan. A simple weekly ritual will greatly increase the chances of success.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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