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It is therefore not a suggestion programme. Only implemented ideas qualify to be judged as part of the competition. The focus on implementation is key to the success of the programme overall.

ey to success of the programme is the definition of innovation at FNB. Innovation is defined as “ideas plus implementation”.

What does the role of the Innovators Programme Manager at FNB entail? It is programme management in the sense that the competition is run like a project in each of the segments. It has definite start and end dates. The programme management role is making sure that all the timings link up to the different milestones. Paul works closely with colleagues in the Employee Engagement area to ensure that centralised communication and marketing regarding the programme takes place throughout the year. He mentions, “We also support the innovation champions. We run two conferences a year for them. We provide a networking opportunity and tools that are relevant to the work that they do. We also inspire them by sharing information about what is happening in the international and local innovation landscape.”

programmes comment, you need more than just a well-defined and managed programme. The Global Innovation Index 2011 ranks South Africa 59th out of 125 countries. South Africa ranks 40th in the sub innovation index ranking of innovation input and 83rd in terms of innovation output. Paul comments, “What we have found at FNB is that we have less people with ideas and more people with implementation skills. And I think it has been a big part of our success.” Then there is the self-regulated innovation management process, the way the organisation is structured, the learning, leadership and strategy side. Innovation is deeply imbedded in our strategy, but it is also a business value. Our decentralised structure encourages entrepreneurship because senior staff at a segment level is empowered to use their own discretion in day-to-day management and budgeting. Another reason for our success is our

organisational culture around innovation. It is passionately driven from the top. Our CEO Michael Jordaan is the ultimate ambassador. He is freely available to engage with and he supports, nurtures and protects the programme. Programme performance is

September 2011 | Management Today 23

As many organisations who have reward