Design thinking resource

Innovation Champions

Individuals who actively promote, support and advocate for new ideas, initiatives and ways of working within an organisation or community.

Champions help ideas gain traction

Many promising ideas struggle not because they lack value, but because they fail to build sufficient support. Innovation Champions play an important role in helping ideas move beyond planning and into action.

Champions are often enthusiastic individuals who believe in the value of a particular initiative and are willing to advocate for it. They help communicate benefits, engage stakeholders and encourage participation.

Their influence can help overcome resistance, address uncertainty and create momentum during implementation. By actively promoting change, Innovation Champions help bridge the gap between innovation and adoption.

Influence often matters more than authority

Innovation Champions are not always senior leaders. They can emerge from any level of an organisation. What makes them effective is their ability to influence others through credibility, relationships and enthusiasm.

Because they are often trusted by colleagues and stakeholders, champions can communicate messages in ways that feel more authentic and relatable than formal organisational communications.

Their ability to model desired behaviours and demonstrate commitment often encourages others to engage with new ideas and participate more actively in implementation efforts.

Champions support sustained change

Implementation is rarely a single event. New initiatives often require ongoing encouragement, support and reinforcement before they become embedded within everyday practice.

Innovation Champions help maintain momentum during this transition period. They provide encouragement, answer questions, share success stories and help others navigate challenges.

As a result, champions contribute not only to initial adoption but also to the long-term sustainability of change and innovation efforts.

Put the method to work

Put Innovation Champions into practice

Identify influential individuals

Look for people who are respected, well-connected and enthusiastic about improvement and innovation.

Build understanding and commitment

Ensure champions understand the goals, benefits and expectations associated with the initiative.

Provide support and resources

Equip champions with information, tools and opportunities to engage stakeholders.

Recognise and sustain involvement

Celebrate contributions and continue supporting champions as implementation progresses.

Why it matters

What Innovation Champions make possible

Builds momentum for change

Champions help generate enthusiasm and create positive energy around innovation initiatives.

Strengthens stakeholder engagement

Trusted advocates can encourage participation and help build support among different groups.

Reduces resistance

Champions can address concerns, answer questions and improve understanding throughout implementation.

Supports long-term adoption

Ongoing advocacy helps ensure that innovations become embedded within daily practice rather than fading after launch.

Related concepts

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