Operating Principle

2–4 min read

Innovation Dies in the Handoff to Commercialization

Innovation Dies in the Handoff to Commercialization

Innovation Dies in the Handoff to Commercialization

Promising innovations often fail in the underfunded gap between prototype and scalable business.

Promising innovations often fail in the underfunded gap between prototype and scalable business.

Promising innovations often fail in the underfunded gap between prototype and scalable business.

The valley of death lacks a natural organizational owner or budget.

The valley of death lacks a natural organizational owner or budget.

The valley of death lacks a natural organizational owner or budget.

The valley of death lacks a natural organizational owner or budget.

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Operating Question

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

Why It Matters

The valley of death lacks a natural organizational owner or budget.

Supporting Evidence

Frank Rothaermel on technology commercialization.

Research Notes

Match the innovation approach to uncertainty, capital intensity, and the stage of commercialization.

Practical Actions

Assign handoff ownership; fund the middle stage; set a realistic timeline.

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