Leaders’ competences for successful leadership of invention and implementation of innovation: a conceptual model

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this paper is to define necessary competences for leading the two stages of the innovation process and, based on research, to develop a conceptual leaders’ competency model.

Design/methodology. The research was conducted by using an analysis of academic literature. Based on the theoretical findings, the authors offer a conceptual innovation leadership competency model.

Findings. The main finding of the research shows that leaders’ role is crucial for effective leading of innovation phases, while competences that stimulate innovation can be divided into three groups – competences that are equally important for both phases and competences that are more important in each of the phases.

Research Implications. Based on the research results, a leadership competency list is proposed that could be used as a basis for future research in organizations and validation.

Practical Implications. The conceptual model provides managers with information on innovation processes and factors that affect invention and implementation phases. The guidelines offered can be used by organizations and leaders to develop their competences to ensure successful leadership of the two stages of the innovation process.

Originality/Value. Currently many researchers are focusing on factors which affect the innovation process and leadership, but there are only a few studies that combine those two concepts. The value of this paper lies in its structured vision of factors which are important to one process or both main innovation processes, that is, invention and implementation, and how leaders could lead these processes.

Paper type. Conceptual paper