The landscape of corporate innovation is undergoing a profound transformation. With AI rapidly reshaping industries, sustainability taking center stage, and regulations evolving at an unprecedented pace, organizations must navigate complexity with agility. How can businesses balance long-term strategic foresight with the need for immediate impact? How can they foster a culture of innovation that remains resilient in uncertain times? These were the key questions explored at the Innovation Horizons event, hosted by Bluemorrow and Prof. Stefano Brusoni from ETH Zurich MTEC at the prestigious Villa Hatt.

The evening featured an insightful keynote delivered by Dr. Alan Cabello, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sebastian Knab. Innovation leaders from Zurich Insurance Group, LGT Banking and Holcim provided real-world perspectives on the evolution of corporate innovation, the forces shaping the future, and the shifts required to stay ahead.

Bringing together executives and decision-makers from leading corporates the event fostered a collaborative dialogue on the realities of innovation today.

The Evolution of Corporate Innovation: Lessons from the Past

Over the last decade, corporate innovation has seen a dramatic shift. Dr. Alan Cabello traced the journey from early R&D-driven models to the explosion of frameworks like Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Ambidextrous Organizations. While these frameworks have provided structure, execution remains the defining challenge for most organizations. Key reflections included:

• Digitalization fueled the last decade – Many companies capitalized on technology trends but struggled to fundamentally rethink their business models.
• Innovation structures vary widely – Some companies rely on centralized R&D, while others invest in venture labs or open innovation ecosystems.
• COVID-19 accelerated new ways of working – Remote collaboration and hybrid work models forced companies to rethink their innovation approach.
• AI is now a defining force – Unlike past trends like blockchain, AI is reshaping industries at their core, requiring new strategic approaches.

The Forces Shaping Innovation Today

With a rapidly changing business environment, organizations must be aware of the external forces influencing innovation. Discussions highlighted four key trends:

1. Regulation as a Constraint and Opportunity – Companies in Europe face stricter regulatory environments compared to the U.S. and China. Strategic engagement with policymakers is now a crucial aspect of innovation leadership.
   
   
2. AI as a Core Business Driver – AI is no longer just an efficiency tool; it is fundamentally changing business models, customer interactions, and decision-making processes.
   
   
3. The Human Factor in an AI Era – While AI accelerates innovation, human creativity, critical thinking, and leadership remain irreplaceable.
   
   
4. Sustainability as a Business Imperative – Decarbonization, circular economy models, and sustainable materials are no longer optional; they are central to long-term corporate strategy.

Innovation Strategies for the Future

The panel discussion, featuring experts from Zurich Insurance Group, LGT Banking, Holcim, and Bekaert, provided insights into how leading companies are adapting to these changes. Key takeaways included:

• Customer-Centric Innovation – Innovation must align with real market needs rather than being driven solely by internal R&D ambitions.
• Open Collaboration & Ecosystems – Companies are moving beyond siloed innovation by partnering with startups, academia, and cross-industry networks.
• Corporate Venture Building as a Growth Engine – Traditional R&D models are being supplemented by corporate venture investments and startup collaborations.
• Speed as a Competitive Advantage – The ability to move from ideation to execution quickly is now a key differentiator in the market.
• Leadership Buy-In is Critical – Innovation can only thrive when it is embedded into corporate strategy and supported at the highest levels.

Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years of Innovation

As the event concluded, panelists and attendees reflected on the road ahead. The consensus was clear: innovation will become more strategic, AI will fundamentally alter business models, and sustainability will drive investment priorities. Europe, in particular, must become bolder in pursuing moonshot innovations rather than being constrained by risk aversion.

The Innovation Horizons event at Villa Hatt reinforced that corporate innovation is at an inflection point. To remain competitive, companies must embrace foresight-driven strategy, venture building, and a culture of continuous experimentation. The future belongs to those who can balance agility with long-term vision.