The Cow Model of Innovation

Innovation processes tend to depict a linear and sometimes iterative workflow, beginning with an idea and ending with the implementation thereof. In practise, however, this process is much more nuanced and complex. Therefore, this paper develops and presents an innovation model inspired by nature that embodies circular thinking to describe the innovation process. By building off the digestive system and ecosystem around a ruminating cattle, this paper integrates innovation management literature with the natural process flow of rumination through biomimicry design. In doing so, we describe a model consisting of six phases with mapped out flows and iterations within and between phases, allowing for both guidance and flexibility. COW incorporates the growth of the organization as well and the sometimes negative outcomes of innovation processes. To conclude, we discuss limitations with the model and development thereof, and present future research and development directions.