How to shape individual innovation competencies? Proposing a tool for the corporate environment

Purpose In recent years, there have been many discoveries in terms of identifying and measuring innovation competencies (ICs) but not regarding the process of shaping such ICs. This study aims to understand how ICs are shaped in a corporate environment and thereby broaden the existing knowledge on IC development in the business context Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a qualitative study using the design science research methodology. This methodology makes it possible to find solutions instead of merely explaining the research problem and generates a greater impact through artifact creation. Findings This study proposes the use of the innovation competencies development cycle, a tool that develops employee ICs and comprises a diagnostic stage and six fundamental stages. The diagnosis stage is intended to analyze whether the environment in which the tool will be applied has the required foundation to guarantee its effective functioning and obtain the expected results. The other six stages are designed mainly using the innovation pedagogy approach, the individual IC behaviors and the experimental learning. Research limitations/implications The study’s limitations include the application of the tool to a single sector and company size. In addition, the sample of participating employees was reduced. Practical implications This study has practical implications in the field of management, as it delivers a tool that can be applied to business companies. This tool aims to help managers shape innovation skills in their employees. Social implications This study contributes with a real proposal for a tool to shape innovation competencies. This study will help employees and organizations become more innovative. Originality/value The IC theme has been previously examined only within the academic and not the corporate environment, a gap addressed by this study. Therefore, this study adopts the perspective of developing ICs by not only measuring but also identifying and classifying this group of competencies.