The innovation process model is designed for the Bohler-Uddeholm companies, basing on 3 aspects: Firstly, the ISO 9001:2000 triggering this work through due to its process orientation. Secondly, the German and English innovation management literature dealing with Best Practice in process design. Thirdly, an empirical investigation of the processes in place at the respective companies using a structured interview technique. Within the innovation process the use and possible deployment of quality management methods are investigated and pointed out respectively.
The modelled process is arranged as a semi-parallel stage-gate process facilitating the allocation of resources, instruments, indicators and responsibilities. Wherever possible the terms of ISO 9001 are used to name the stages. To ensure flexibility when carrying out an innovation project, single stages might be dropped after having stated the reasons.
The view of innovation provided by the model helps to identify the internal and external interfaces and to clarify the contributions of the functions installed within the organisation to the process. Moreover the innovation process, being essential for corporate development, is visualised. The description and visualisation of the innovation process forms the basis for a consistent layout of the ISO 9001 chapter "design and development" within Bohler-Uddeholm.