Why Innovation Gets Stuck Between the Pilot Phase and Actual Implementation
The harsh reality: a pilot is designed to teach, while an implementation is designed to succeed. These are two completely different disciplines that require entirely different approaches. What works perfectly in a small, highly motivated pilot team falls apart as soon as the rest of the organization has to get on board.
Why? The leaders of the pilot project had ownership, a mandate, and energy. The people who now have to work with it were sidelined the whole time. They don’t feel the urgency, don’t understand the decisions, and already have their own schedules packed to the brim. That’s not unwillingness or half-hearted resistance; it’s a completely logical reaction to change that’s been thrown over the fence.
Change management starts right at the drawing board
The mistake we all make is viewing the pilot and the rollout as two separate phases. First, we prove that it works, and only then do we implement it. But by then, it’s already too late. The people who will eventually have to drive the initiative forward shouldn’t just join at the finish line. They need to be on board from the start—not as a sounding board, but as co-designers.
If you do that from day one, something fundamental changes: the implementation is no longer a grueling “follow-up project.” The change is already built into the process.
What does that look like in practice?
For a large healthcare organization, we tackled the enormous amount of paperwork and administrative red tape involved when someone suddenly can no longer live at home. It’s an emotional and hectic process for both family members and staff.
Instead of sitting at a desk and coming up with a new procedure, we designed the new, logical process together with family members and care staff. They were the ones at the drawing board. We then began testing it in practice, in small, manageable steps. We learned, made immediate adjustments, and continued to refine it. The result? Not just a paper tiger, but a process that truly provides targeted assistance. This innovation is now successfully in place in all of the organization’s nursing homes. Why? Because it was theirs from the very beginning.
Innovation isn't just another item on the to-do list
Let’s be honest: trying to “fit in” innovation simply doesn’t work. The issues of the day always take precedence over a long-term project that doesn’t yet feel urgent. Yet we still too often set up a project team on the sidelines, hoping that the rest will follow naturally. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
At The Next Lab, we believe in a different approach. We integrate directly into the existing organizational structure. We work in short, intensive cycles that deliver concrete results. No abstract master plan for two years down the line—instead, we build change step by step, with results that are already tangible next month. This keeps innovation manageable, visible, and fun.
Want to make an impact with your innovation program?
The Next Lab guides organizations through innovation initiatives that truly make a difference. No reports that end up in a drawer—just real, lasting change. We take care of managing the process so your team can stay focused on the content.
Our approach is simple and effective: demonstrate, do it together, do it yourself. We step in to bring focus and structure, and we don’t let go until the organization can handle it on its own.
Curious about how we can help your innovation project really take off? Get in touch for a cup of coffee and a solid plan.