March 2016

A new frontier for technologyUsing nimble innovation to drive profitable business growth

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Nimble innovation—a golden opportunityCIOs are struggling to deliver timely, incremental value at a reasonable cost

*Source: Accenture Technology Vision 2013 and 2015

CIOs lack the budget, people or time to take the business in a new direction.

An innovation mind-set shift needs to take place focused on three factors:

Take time-bound, incremental steps to meet business objectives

Establish a culture and ecosystem for innovation

Extend the funding beyond traditional IT boundaries

of executives said they expect the IT organization to be the main generator of innovation*

of executives said they expect the IT organization to be the main generator of innovation *

71%

34%2015

2013

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Take time-bound, incremental steps to meet business objectivesDemand for innovation to be quicker, more incremental and focused on specific outcomes

Nimble innovation helps organizations:

• Tie innovation to clear business outcomes

• Measure progress and improve returns

• Learn through failure using a new, rapid-test, fail-fast process

*Source: Accenture Strategy Research on the Intersection of Business and Technology, 2015

of business and technology leaders said they believe that IT-led innovation is critical to their company’s growth and survival*

of executives consider their organizations to be early adopters when it comes to technology-driven innovation*

90%

57%

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Establish a culture and ecosystem for innovationNimble innovation helps organizations take advantage of the on-demand economy

Organizations that embrace nimble innovation can:

• Collaborate using open innovation ecosystems beyond the traditional technology organization

• Partner with higher education institutions to innovate on specific business problems

• Incorporate startups and other fintech companies to innovate with prototypes and proof of concepts

*Source: Accenture Technology Vision 2015

of surveyed companies are taking part in open innovation initiatives*

of surveyed companies plan to engage new digital partners within their respective industries over the next two years*

77%

60%

Note 1: Internal open innovation functions within enterprises

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Extend the funding beyond traditional IT boundariesNimble innovation pools funding beyond IT

Nimble innovation means:

• Accessing discretionary funds within the business

• Embracing initiatives spawned within the business

• Taking advantage of low-cost emerging markets

*Source: Accenture Strategy Research on the Intersection of Business and Technology, 2015.

of senior executives said that IT works jointly with other areas of the organization on innovation*

of senior executives said at least half of all innovation is being predominantly sourced via the business rather than IT*

64%

58%

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Nimble innovation frontiersAn opportunity for sustainable, profitable business growth

Three steps technology leaders can take to establish a new frontier of innovation:

Adopt a nimble innovation mind-set focused on targeted outcomes

Adapt the IT and business operating model to be open to external ecosystems

Take a holistic approach to funding sources

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Learn more at www.accenture.com/nimbleinnovation

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About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions—underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network—Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 358,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com

About Accenture Strategy

Accenture Strategy operates at the intersection of business and technology. We bring together our capabilities in business, technology, operations and function strategy to help our clients envision and execute industry-specific strategies that support enterprise wide transformation. Our focus on issues related to digital disruption, competitiveness, global operating models, talent and leadership help drive both efficiencies and growth.

For more information, follow @AccentureStrat or visit www.accenture.com/strategy

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