Innovating with suppliers

Two phases in the innovation process are critical for a company's R&D, and it is particularly important to mobilize suppliers during these phases:

• The first to discover an original solution to market needs.

• Rapid validation of the technical feasibility of an innovative idea.

Setting up partnerships with certain suppliers encourages and accelerates the innovation process. The conditions for success will be detailed in each step:

• How do you choose your areas of supplier innovation?

• How do you decide to outsource?

• How do you select your supplier-partners?

• How can you organize your innovation partnership to get the most out of it? (Organizing listening to current and potential suppliers; encouraging supplier innovation; co-developing your products and services)

• How can you maintain your independence and control your risks?

• What skills do buyers need?