In recent conversations, a recurring question has surfaced: Why should we invest in open innovation services when we can buy a scouting list of targets?
At first glance, a list might seem like a cost-effective solution. But the reality?
It’s just a starting point. Without rigorous filtering, prioritization, and real-world validation, a list alone won’t drive meaningful innovation or partnerships.
The Illusion of the List: What You’re Really Paying For
Many companies new to open innovation assume that access to a pre-compiled list of potential partners, startups, or technologies is enough. But lists come with significant limitations:
- Lack of Prioritization: How were these names selected? Without proper validation, you may waste time pursuing low-value targets.
- No Real-World Validation: A list doesn’t pick up the phone, ask critical questions, or validate whether an opportunity aligns with your business needs.
- Hidden Costs of DIY: Teams often spend months reverse-engineering a list, only to realize it doesn’t yield real partnerships or insights.
The Intelligence Beyond the Names
At yet2, we don’t just provide names (which is only one step of the innovation process) —we ensure that every connection has the potential to create impact. Our tech scouting process includes:
- Filtering & Prioritization: Leveraging 25+ years of experience, we refine a broad pool of potential partners into a targeted shortlist that aligns with your specific needs.
- Expert-Led Validation: We don’t rely on surface-level data; we engage with companies and dig deep into technical and commercial feasibility.
- Expanding the Search Beyond the Obvious: Unlike basic scouting or internal teams, yet2 widens your aperture—tapping into non-obvious and adjacent industries through our global network across a wide range of technology spaces and industry sectors.
Case Study: From Lists to Impact
A leading global consumer goods client initially relied on raw lists for their scouting efforts. They quickly realized that these lists provided little beyond a collection of names.
When they partnered with yet2, our EZ button project changed the game—we handled outreach, facilitated expert discussions, and streamlined the backend work.
The result? Instead of just possibilities, they had 22 validated opportunities and actionable next steps with a 5-day turnaround. Check out the full case study here. Featured client feedback: “Nobody else in the market is doing what you’re doing.”
Why High-Quality Information Matters
In addition, we’ve been asked recently “can’t AI uncover insights from a scouting list?” Innovation projects thrive on access to quality information. But not all information is created equal.
Publicly available, commoditized data is what AI tools excel at processing, but this information is often generic, outdated, or irrelevant to the unique needs of an innovation project.
The real value lies in non-confidential, not readily available public information—the kind of insights that emerge from direct human interactions. Consider these examples:
- A supplier divulging a nuanced technical challenge they face in confidence, offering a unique opportunity to co-develop a solution.
- A university researcher explaining unpublished work and its potential real-world applications.
- A start-up CEO discussing market feedback and pivot strategies, revealing new paths for collaboration.
These types of insights aren’t available in online databases or patent filings—they are shared in conversations, in moments of trust, and through relationships built over time. AI cannot crawl this “hidden layer” of the innovation landscape, which is why human-centric scouting remains indispensable. Read our blog on AI vs Human Tech Scouting here.
The Bottom Line
If a list alone could drive successful partnerships and innovation, companies wouldn’t struggle with stalled scouting efforts. The real value comes from a structured, strategic, and expert-driven process—one that ensures the right opportunities rise to the top and move forward.
Looking to go beyond the list? Let’s talk.
Words by Emily Smith
Image by FreePik
