217: The Babson Research that Shows How Successful Corporate Innovation

This week on The Innovation Storytellers Show, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Gina O’Connor, Professor of Innovation Management at Babson College. If you're in the corporate innovation space and feel like you're spinning your wheels or chasing moonshots that never lift off, this episode is for you.

I first heard Gina speak at the Innov8rs conference in Arizona, and I was blown away by how practical and grounded her research is. She doesn’t just talk theory. She shows exactly what it takes for large companies to build innovation functions that actually deliver. Her work spans decades, and she’s worked with companies like IBM and DSM to study how they’ve structured innovation to drive long-term growth.

We discussed why innovation teams often fail, how to structure a program that lasts beyond a single flashy project, and what it means to build something Gina calls a “domain of innovation intent.” It’s not about chasing shiny objects. It’s about being intentional, strategic, and deeply aligned with your company’s future direction.

What I loved most about our conversation was how she breaks down the three stages of innovation: discovery, incubation, and acceleration. Gina explains that each stage requires different kinds of thinkers, various processes, and substantial leadership support. We also got into why most companies aim too small, how to avoid what she calls “incrementalism creep,” and why so many innovation leaders burn out after just 22 months in the role.

This isn’t just an episode filled with great ideas. It’s a roadmap for anyone trying to build real innovation capability inside a mature organization. If you’ve ever felt stuck between big vision and slow-moving systems, this conversation will help you find a new path forward.