What is License to Innovate, and why do organisations need it?

License to Innovate is a structured programme designed to bridge the gap between ideation and project execution. Many organisations struggle with stalled projects, unclear ownership, and a lack of formal processes in the early stages. License to Innovate helps teams shape and validate their ideas, accelerate high-value projects, and upskill employees in practical innovation methods. 

What are the most common challenges you see in project pipelines?

There are usually too many projects, too few, or projects that simply aren’t advancing. Resources get spread thin, and stakeholders lose trust when profits and cost savings aren’t met. Often, there’s no clear way to assess project health, low stop rates, and missing links to strategy or leadership. Teams may lack experience in validation, be too homogeneous, or not feel truly accountable for their projects. 

How does License to Innovate address these challenges?

The programme runs in two main phases: shaping and validation. First, we select important and urgent projects—sometimes those that are underperforming—and run a detailed shaping workshop. Teams clarify the problem, the solution, and how to present their project for validation. After a rehearsal pitch, only the strongest projects move forward. In the validation phase, teams work in sprints, with regular review meetings and clear deliverables. We coach project leaders and teams, and even support leadership in gate meetings to ensure alignment and value.

What makes the shaping phase so important?

Shaping is about getting projects ready for validation—whether they’re brand new ideas or mature projects that need a rethink. It’s a chance to ensure teams know who their project is for, how they’ll deliver it, and how to present it clearly to decision-makers. High-quality pitches and a uniform approach help leadership understand progress and make informed decisions. 

How does the validation phase work?

Validation typically runs for three months, though some projects may need more time. Teams develop a master plan, set clear tasks, and work closely with sponsors. Monthly review meetings focus on learning and problem-solving, not just reporting. We provide tools and methods for market validation, customer interviews, and evidence gathering. The goal is to prove desirability, feasibility, and viability before scaling up. 

Can License to Innovate fit with existing stage gate processes?

Absolutely. Many companies use License to Innovate as a front-end to their stage gate model, or as a way to rethink early phases. It’s about making sure the right things happen at the right time—avoiding the “business case trap” too early, and allowing for iterative learning. The programme adapts to both new and mature projects, and helps teams avoid common pitfalls. 

What types of projects benefit most from License to Innovate?

It works for everything from new product development to manufacturing optimisation, global rollouts, and even AI projects. The methods introduced spill over into other projects, improving project management and team accountability across the board. Whether you’re dealing with uncertainty, complexity, or just need to accelerate progress, License to Innovate provides the missing piece. 

What’s your advice for organisations considering License to Innovate?

Start by identifying your strategic priorities and the projects that matter most. Use License to Innovate to focus resources, accelerate learning, and build capability. It’s not just about getting projects done—it’s about upskilling your people and creating a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.