What innovation managers really do — An empirical study about tasks, skills and traits of innovation managers in Germany

Abstract

Managing innovation leads to a kind of contradiction. On the one hand, innovation needs informal structures and communication, free flow of information and room for creativity. On the other hand, companies strive for efficiency and lean processes. Therefore, companies structure and formalize the innovation management process. As part of this process the profession of an innovation manager emerged. Like in many other roles in management, the innovation manager has designated tasks, as well as certain skills to perform these tasks. Additionally, an innovation manager may have a typical personality. This study answers the questions about the typical tasks, skills and personality traits of innovation managers especially in Germany. I found that the picture of a multi-talented generalist, managing the whole innovation process is only partly right. Finally, more findings and ideas for further research are discussed.