Aligning an R&D portfolio with corporate strategy

R&D faces challenges when serving multiple businesses and markets, each with its own strategies within an overall corporate strategy. To perform in this environment, Genencor has created an interactive, cross-functional engagement within the corporation that involves R&D, manufacturing, supply, and other supporting functions. Business integration teams (BITs) have been introduced to create the necessary cross-functional link-ages. A process for setting and managing portfolio priorities has also been implemented, and stress is placed on the importance of open and proactive communication across both the internal organization and with external customers and industries. The resulting staff engagement and project ownership in various functions within the business have enabled dynamic, real-time management of the R&D portfolio. with effective leadership of the corporate innovation portfolio, significant performance gains have been achieved for Danisco's Genencor Division.