Proctor & Gamble’s Innovation Factory

“We know from our history that while promotions may win quarters, innovation wins decades.” – Bob McDonald, Chairman, President, and CEO, Proctor & Gamble

The company spends billions annually on R&D – roughly 50% more than its closest competitor and more than most other competitors combined according to How P&G Tripled Its Innovation Success Rate. Each year it invests additional millions in research to discover opportunities for innovation, conducting some 20,000 studies involving more than 5 million consumers in nearly 100 countries.

“People will innovate for financial gain or for competitive advantage, but this can be self-limiting,” McDonald says. “There needs to be an emotional component as well—a source of inspiration that motivates people.” At P&G that inspiration lies in a sense of purpose driven from the top down—the message that each innovation improves people’s lives.”

P&G Innovation Factory uses Design Thinking methodology to strengthen both its core businesses and its ability to capture innovative new-growth opportunities. P&G’s efforts to innovate through Design is an important lessons for leaders faced with shrinking product life cycles and increasing global competition.