Publications
Publications
- February 2019 (Revised May 2019)
- HBS Case Collection
Schneider Electric: Opening Up to External Innovation
By: Antonio Davila
Abstract
Schneider Electric competes in tough but stable markets around energy management, automation, and control of infrastructures ranging from homes to production plants. New technologies and new approaches to serving markets are challenging the status quo. To take advantage of these changes, the company has been experimenting with different organizational structures to take advantage of these radical innovations. The case describes the challenges facing the company as well as the latest iteration of structures and systems. In particular, the company has put together “Innovation at the Edge,” which includes tools ranging from corporate venture capital to corporate accelerator. Managers at Schneider Electric have to evaluate whether these tools are enough to fulfill the needs of the company, how to fully take advantage of them, and how to further adapt them.
Keywords
Corporate Venture Capital; Accelerator; Corporate Entrepreneurship; Collaborative Innovation and Invention; Disruptive Innovation; Innovation and Management; Innovation Strategy; Technological Innovation; Organizational Design; Energy Industry; Manufacturing Industry; France; United States
Citation
Davila, Antonio. "Schneider Electric: Opening Up to External Innovation." Harvard Business School Case 119-061, February 2019. (Revised May 2019.)