In survey after survey, most executives say innovation is existential, but fewer than 1 in 10 believe their companies are making something out of it. Key takeaways Most corporate innovation programs fail less because of bad ideas and more because they’re structurally designed to avoid real risk. Corporate innovation programs that work share common traits, such as protected teams, clear metrics tied to shipped products, and insulation from internal politics. Incubators, venture studios, intrapreneurship programs, and open innovation can work when they’re designed to survive corporate resistance. Where failed programs treat innovation like a side project, the best ones treat it like a business unit. I’ve noticed a credibility gap that keeps showing up whenever corporations talk about i...