System Playbook

We love to describe all parts of an innovation management system in a system playbook. This book is a tool for documenting, communicating and iteratively improving the innovation system. Learn more about important chapters in this article.

Bernhard Doll

Business Design Maverick

Write me an email

Contact me on LinkedIn

A "System Playbook" is a brief document (such as a PowerPoint, Word document or web-based wiki) that describes all essential parts of an innovation management system based on Business Design. The purpose of the document is to create a shared understanding among stakeholders in the organisation of what the desired work mode looks like to design innovation and new business. We usually integrate the following chapters:

Nr.	Chapter	Content
1	Welcome note from CEO	Purpose of the organisation Why innovation is important Ambition for innovation Definition of success Comments on desired behaviour
2	Contents
3	Vision and mission of the innovation management system	Key aspects elements of the innovation management system ion the future (vision) Relevant activities today to get there (mission)
4	Link to company's strategy 20XX / Picture of the Future	Recap of key elements of the company's vision and strategy Link to purpose of the organisation
5	Objectives and KPIs	Long-term definition of (innovation) success Short-term performance indicators for progress
6	Key stakeholders, Roles & responsibilities	See Roles
7	End-to-End Innovation Process	Phases with key activities Gates Deliverables Roles involved per phase Tools & methods per phase
8	Internal partners and collaboration	Other involved departments Responsibilities Deliverables for exchange Key "gate keepers"
9	External partners	Tasks for outsourcing Responsibilities Deliverables for exchange Short list partners
10	Work mode & Guiding Principles
11	Tools & Methods (selection)
12	Governance	Decision-making along the End-to-End Innovation Process
13	Stakeholder management	Procedure to involve key stakeholders for various purposes C-Level Managers Head of Business Lines Sales R&D Legal Finance
14	Resource allocation & budget	Annual planning of number of innovation projects in each phase of the End-to-End Innovation Process External budget for e.g. coaching, research, design & prototyping
15	Roadmap for Implementation

A "System Playbook" is a living document. Don't try to find the "perfect" system. This system doesn't exist and may change over time. It is important to reflect on the performance of your current system in short review sessions and refine it based on your learnings. Keep the "System Playbook" always up-to-date.