Lean innovation: introducing value systems to product development

The implementation of lean thinking in innovation management has not been executed systematically yet. For instance high uncertainties of processes or limited possibilities for automation in research and development (R&D) indicate special requirements for the implementation of lean thinking. A competitive R&D requires a holistic rethinking for the implementation of lean thinking. The lean innovation system represents the systematic interpretation of lean thinking principles regarding to product or process innovation and development. One core element of lean innovation is the value system which is the basis for the value stream design in innovation and development projects. The value system defines, structures and prioritises ´values´ adaptively for one specific innovation project. The values are defined by all relevant stakeholders in the innovation and development process, like external and internal customers, considering company´s strategy and culture. It represents the basis for a consequent value oriented alignment of project and processes in R&D. This paper introduces lean innovation and the core findings of the recent survey ´lean innovation´ of the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering WZL at RWTH Aachen University. In a next step the paper focuses on the value system, describes its elements and shows how to use and benefit from the value system towards a powerful lean innovation.