By Patrick Harris, Representing yet2 as Diamond Sponsors
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending and representing yet2 at the Innovation Roundtable Summit 2024 in Copenhagen. As Diamond Sponsors of the world’s largest corporate-only innovation event, we joined over 600 innovation leaders from multinationals to share strategies, discuss challenges, and reimagine the future of business.
The summit offered more than just insightful presentations—it was a masterclass in actionable innovation, showcasing how companies are embracing measurable impact, sustainability, and collaboration to remain competitive in an ever-changing world.
Here’s a closer look at the most impactful themes and lessons from this extraordinary event:
- AI: A Catalyst for Transformation and Challenge
AI emerged as one of the most hotly debated topics of the summit, with speakers like Dan Kraemer (Northwestern Kellogg) painting a vision of how AI agents could revolutionize productivity. Tasks like managing finances or booking travel might soon be handled by intelligent systems, freeing us to focus on more meaningful pursuits.
However, alongside this opportunity comes challenge: Could over-reliance on AI lead to complacency? How do companies influence AI-driven decision-making in a world where algorithms, not individuals, mediate purchasing decisions?
At yet2, we see AI as both a tool and a disruption, empowering companies to automate while also rethinking how they engage customers. Helping our clients harness AI responsibly is key to unlocking its transformative potential.
- Moving Beyond Innovation “Theatre”
A resounding message from the summit was that companies are shifting from “innovation theatre” to prioritizing measurable outcomes. Leaders emphasized the importance of metrics to demonstrate ROI and ensure that innovation investments translate into real-world impact.
This shift is redefining how organizations approach innovation. Flashy initiatives are no longer enough—sustainable success requires aligning efforts with tangible business goals. At yet2, we’ve long championed this approach, helping clients bridge the gap between ideation and scalable, impactful implementation.
- Digital Twins: Accelerating Innovation Cycles
The rise of digital twin technology is transforming how companies test and iterate. Virtual replicas allow teams to simulate, experiment, and refine ideas without the costs or time constraints of physical prototypes. This capability enables internal teams and external collaborators to push innovations further, faster.
For yet2, digital twins represent a significant leap forward in open innovation, creating a new frontier for agility and efficiency in product development.
- Collaboration Across Boundaries
One of the most exciting trends was the deepening of collaboration within ecosystems. Companies are working more closely not only with startups but also with competitors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. By pooling resources and expertise, organizations can tackle challenges that transcend any single player—like sustainability and systemic innovation.
This collaborative ethos aligns with yet2’s mission to connect clients with the right external partners, fostering relationships that drive transformative results. Whether it’s scouting startups or facilitating cross-industry partnerships, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement.
- Sustainability: Innovation’s New North Star
Sustainability was not just a topic at the summit—it was a recurring theme across almost every session. Organizations are leveraging open innovation ecosystems to tackle complex environmental challenges, pooling expertise to create scalable solutions that align with global goals.
Take Michelin, for example, which measures innovation success through sustainability-focused KPIs like CO2 reduction. Their approach highlights how aligning bold innovation efforts with leadership priorities can create both social impact and business value.
At yet2, sustainability is a growing focus, and we are thrilled to help our clients identify and adopt technologies that contribute to a more responsible future.
- Building Structures for Sustainable Open Innovation
Successful open innovation requires more than ideas—it needs systems and structures that embed OI into the organization’s DNA. Companies are increasingly investing in dedicated roles and frameworks to bridge external partnerships with internal teams, ensuring that innovations don’t just stay at the concept stage but move to execution.
At yet2, we’ve seen firsthand how these structures enable long-term success. By creating alignment between external opportunities and internal priorities, companies can unlock the full potential of their innovation ecosystems.
Reflections: The Future of Corporate Innovation
The Innovation Roundtable Summit 2024 was a powerful reminder that innovation is not just about generating ideas—it’s about delivering impact. From AI’s disruptive potential to sustainability as a guiding principle, the event showcased how forward-thinking companies are rewriting the playbook for success.
As Diamond Sponsors, yet2 was proud to contribute to this vibrant exchange of ideas, sharing our expertise in connecting organizations with external innovations that drive real results. We left the summit inspired, energized, and more committed than ever to helping our clients turn bold ideas into measurable outcomes.
The road ahead for innovation is collaborative, metrics-driven, and impact-focused. Let’s keep the conversation going—because the future belongs to those who create it.
What are your thoughts on these key themes? How is your organization adapting its innovation strategy to meet today’s challenges?
Image by AI
