To determine World’s most innovative companies, a survey is conducted by the Boston Consulting Group & BusinessWeek. More then 2,500 executive worldwide voted for the most pioneering companies doing business today. Apple and Google once again is on top. In this 2007 survey some new companies gain significient jump in their ranking compare to previous year, e.g. Walt Disney ranked No. 8 this time.(It was ranked 43rd in 2006) This is due to takeover of Pixar from Apple. Also Boeing rose to No. 21 (2006 Ranking No. 70) because of revolutionary jet plane 787 Dreamliner.

 

Honda Motors’s ranking also improved compare to last year(from 23rd in 2006 to 12th in 2007). Honda is known for fuel-efficient cars. Environmental approach and use of solar panels are major drivers of innovation at Honda.

 

Some companies ranking dropped little bit, like Dell and eBay. Dell is known for it’s efficient direct-to-customer model but it is struggling to adapt a shifting in computer market. Today retailing is growing at much faster rate and now Dell is going to adapt PC retailing also through partnership with Wal-Mart stores. eBay is pioneered in person-to-person e-commerce but growing competition from other companies slowed eBay’s growth. Though eBay bought Skype it still need to improve it’s business model to remain leader in online market.

 

This survey shows some interesting result. According to 2007 survey, just 46% of respondents (down from 52% last year) said they were satisfied  with their return on innovation spending. Just 23% of respondents called it their top concern in this survey, down significantly from 32% last year.

 

The leaders of companies recognize that developing breakthrough products, revamping operational process and coming up with new business models doesn’t happen overnight. They are working to build organizations that are capable of sustained innovation and this requires taking risk and investing for the long term. They focus on the things that really matter, such as hiring the most talented employee and providing them with the environment that they need to thrive. Companies can make it really complicated or really simple.

 

Arthur D. Levinson, chairman of Genentech Inc. says that

 

If you want an innovative environment, hire innovative people, listen
to them tell you want they want,and do it

 Source : BCG-Businessweek Special Report