The Importance of Innovation Management at Deutsche Telekom – Technological Uncertainty and Open Innovation

“Europe’s wealth lies in the knowledge and ability of its people.” This sentence, from the 2007 Berlin Declaration to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, not only highlighted the need for a European innovation policy, it also illustrated that globalization, open-access journals, and the Internet have ushered in a new era in the history of science. From the early 18th century, the major cycles in the history of science were shaped by France, then Germany, the United Kingdom, and finally the United States. However, individual centers in the East and West or entire regions such as Europe are increasingly becoming today’s pioneers. Consistent business innovation strategies – supported by a prudent innovation policy – are the key requirements for exploiting Europe’s wealth and strategically leveraging her people’s talents. Innovations in the 21st century are the result of complex conditions and dynamic processes. This requires adequate innovation management that focuses systematically on adding value. This rationalization and systematization of creativity and the spirit of invention is not contradictory. This is what Thomas Edison meant when he said genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.