Insights for corporate innovators navigating new terrains.
Growth Guide: Innovation Impact in 2026
Today’s business context is asking us as innovation teams to change what we’re doing and how we’re doing that, in order to deliver impact.
In 2026, success in corporate innovation isn’t measured by how many cool ideas are generated or shiny pilots were launched— it’s about how innovation translates into tangible business outcomes. Budget cuts, executive pressure, and the rise of AI have forced us to get brutally clear about what actually drives results.
During our recent Y2026 BoostCamp program we discussed what that means in practice:
· how to gain and keep leadership support and strategic alignment?
· what are low-budget-high-impact innovation instruments/approaches?
· how to leverage AI for innovation throughout the end-to-end process?
· and how to shift the culture/mindset across the org, to be able to act faster?
We captured the many in-depth conversations during the week, together with insights from other recent sessions within the community on the same topic, in a new “Innovation Impact in 2026” guide. Subscribe below to get access to the guide.
Articles in this guide
About the Compass.
Leading innovation in large organizations isn’t easy.
I know, because I’ve been there myself. In those years, I had many moments that I wish I could discuss things and compare notes with peers. That’s why, when I left this innovation manager role in 2011, I’ve set out to build a community of corporate innovators, for them to learn from each other to improve outcomes at their organizations.
Drawing from the many sessions, discussions and conversations within the community and the conferences we’ve hosted over the years, I started this newsletter to inform and inspire all those corporate innovators navigating new terrains. A weekly dose of practical insights to inform your approach and improve your outcomes.
Hans Balmaekers
Founder, the Compass and Chief @ Innov8rs
