Open innovation: a success factor

Open innovation: a success factor

Swisscom recognises the importance of dialogue with customers, employees, suppliers and other partners, as it enables a permanent, open process of innovation with the focus on customers and their needs. When developing new products and services, Swisscom consistently adopts human-centred design methods, i.e. the user-oriented design of simple, inspiring experiences that help customers find their way in the networked world.

Within the company, Swisscom practices and promotes decentralised product development. As a result, new ideas are generated throughout the company. Various events and platforms provide employees with the opportunity to exchange innovative ideas and familiarise themselves with best practice examples, One example is the Innovation Week held twice a year, during which teams of employees from different divisions realise a new idea that addresses a specific customer need, is of business relevance and has potential on the market.

To identify customer needs in good time, it is essential to involve future users in the development process at the earliest stage possible. Swisscom operates its own open innovation platform called Swisscom Labs, where registered users are able to contribute their own ideas, give their own opinions on trials and take part in beta tests.

Outside the company, Swisscom promotes innovation throughout the industry. In particular, Swisscom is committed to supporting young companies that offer forward-looking new solutions in the field of IT, communications and entertainment. Swisscom participates in start-ups as a project partner and investor, and supports them by providing tailored products and services. Since 2013, Swisscom has held the StartUp Challenge competition, where winners are sent on a one-week mentoring programme in Silicon Valley.