Cross-functional Teams
Definition
Cross-functional teams are composed of individuals from different departments or areas of expertise working collaboratively toward a shared objective. These teams combine diverse skill sets such as product management, marketing, engineering, design, and operations, enabling faster problem-solving, more creative outcomes, and well-rounded decision-making.
Cross-functional collaboration is particularly valuable during the Shaping and Validation stages of innovation, where ideas are refined into viable solutions. By breaking down organizational silos, these teams help ensure alignment between customer needs, technical feasibility, and business value. They also play a key role in scaling ideas and delivering impact across the organization.
Relevant links and use cases
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Ørsted Use Case – collaboration across departments to drive sustainable innovation
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Carbon Footprint Challenge – involving multiple teams and stakeholders in climate-related innovation efforts
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Related concepts
Ideation
Ideation is the creative process of conceiving and shaping new ideas. It includes everything from the first thought or inspiration to the formulation of an idea. In the context of an innovation challenge, it refers to the initial phase in which ideas are submitted online and…
Idea management
Idea management is the structured process of managing ideas from ideation through evaluation and refinement to selection. Many companies use an idea management platform to support this process (the Nosco platform is an example of this).
Call for ideas
A call for ideas is an announcement used when an organization or person looks for ideas on a specific topic or project. In the field of innovation, it is used to describe the types of ideas welcome to an innovation challenge…
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