Innovation needs friction
1. Innovation begins where comfort ends
Innovation is convenient – as long as everyone thinks the same way. However, real progress doesn't occur in homogenous comfort zones, but rather where different perspectives, thought patterns, and experiences consciously converge.
Friction sounds unpleasant at first. But it's precisely this friction that generates creative excitement, new perspectives, and genuine innovation. Those who think of innovation only within existing silos or well-coordinated teams will, at best, optimize what already exists—but rarely create something truly new.
2. Why friction is not a risk but an innovation driver
Friction in companies is often equated with conflicts or blockages. However, friction arises primarily where diversity meets structure—and that presents an opportunity.
Different ways of thinking, disciplines, or cultural backgrounds initially create tension. But if this friction is managed purposefully, it creates productive energy:
✔ Changes in perspective lead to better solutions
✔ Opposites promote critical questioning and innovation
✔ Friction reveals weak points early on
✔ Different thinking models create creative diversity
Numerous successful innovation projects show that the greatest leaps do not occur where everyone agrees – but where controversial perspectives are brought together constructively.
3. The right interfaces instead of silos
The biggest obstacle to innovation? Rigid silos and a lack of interfaces.
When departments, divisions, or company units operate in isolation, potential remains untapped. Complex challenges can only be solved if the right interfaces are specifically created – within the organization and beyond.
Cross innovation follows precisely this approach: By consciously connecting departments, industries, partners, and competencies, new solution spaces emerge. Areas of tension are not suppressed but harnessed productively.
4. The Cross Innovation Platform: Targeted control of friction
With the Cross Innovation Platform, these interfaces can be designed systematically:
✔ Different perspectives, ideas and actors are brought together in a structured way
✔ Areas of tension between departments or partners become visible at an early stage
✔ Friction is not avoided, but deliberately channeled into productive channels
✔ Silos are broken down, innovation processes are accelerated
In this way, innovation does not become a product of chance, but a deliberately controlled process – with room for friction and room for progress.
5. Conclusion: Courage to face friction – for innovation with substance
The greatest leaps in innovation don't occur in the comfort zone. They emerge where different thought patterns, perspectives, and experiences are consciously brought together. Deliberately created interfaces, structured friction, and systematic collaboration not only make companies more creative—they also make them future-proof.
Would you like to find out how this works specifically for your company? We would be happy to show you the possibilities of the Cross Innovation Platform – in a live demo or a personal conversation.
