A gamified approach for engaging teams in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the link between gamification and innovation and describes the use of a particular gamified method and tool, which helps teams get committed and engaged in idea development. The goal is to provide valuable insights on how gamification can accelerate innovation. Design/methodology/approach A study was conducted using a combination of qualitative methods: workshops based on action research method followed by semi-structured interviews with workshop participants and problem/challenge owners, representing two segments, corporate innovation teams and entrepreneurship. Data were collected from innovation consultants and IT/Software companies’ team members that used this gamification approach to address innovation challenges as well as from an entrepreneurship class from university that also used this particular gamification approach to support an idea competition program. Findings The paper provides insights and discusses the major impacts of gamification from the perspective of innovation consultants, corporate teams as well as from young entrepreneurs. It suggests that the application of this gamified method and tool enhances the quality of the idea that is developed to address an outlined innovation challenge. It was also found that team members/participants as a result of this process subsequently developed important innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities. Originality/value Despite the growing body of literature on gamification, there is a lack of empirical research that examines the use of gamification tools on companies’ innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. This paper contributes to clarify the contribution of gamified methods and tools toward the success of corporate innovation and entrepreneurship programs by describing the use of a particular gamified approach. Researchers will gain insights into the effects of gamification approaches and a better understanding of the integration requirements with other related research areas. Practitioners will understand how this new method and tool can be implemented in order to drive innovation and entrepreneurship forward.