It’s tough for large companies to be cutting-edge. Not that most don’t have the talent or budget. The unfortunate truth is that large established companies have a lot more at stake than small firms. One wrong move will cost millions, if not billions.
Many people in positions of responsibility at large companies are scared to make a risky move. Failure for many big companies is not rewarded. Trying something new will most likely get you fired, especially if it fails.
Cultures at some big companies are changing, while others have innovation built in their DNA. Here are some interesting thoughts from Steve Blank at the Harvard Business Review blog. Why Big Companies Can’t Innovate.