HORIZON 1, 2 & 3 Schiphol Group works with the three lean horizons in their innovation approach: Earth, Moon and Mars. The group has learned that it's very important to have an unambiguous scope and definition of these horizons, to trigger different approaches for different innovation horizons. Incremental innovation usually needs a very different approach than creating products that potentially disrupt the current business or exploring radical new directions or markets.

THREE APPRPOACHES: INCREMENTAL, DISRUPTIVE & RADICAL

Incremental innovation for H1; This is the change horizon where the idea itself is clear, the solution is probable and clear, and we need some experimentation to optimize the implementation. It's all a matter of learning by doing and getting things done.

Disruptive innovation for H2; At this stage, we have a clear and plausible idea about the future direction, but we have to experiment on how to transform our models and way of working to achieve our goals.

Radical innovation for H3; For this horizon we need a vision or sense of a possible future direction to solve a certain problem. Everything here is an unknown, but still very valuable to explore as it challenges the mindset and raison d'être of the organization.

CREATING A METAPHOR: EARTH, MOON, MARS Schiphol also learned that by giving the three different horizons and, approached a clear name, story and supporting metaphor helped to guide the way of thinking and working in the entire organization.

Earthshots represents the known. Things that already happen somewhere else here on Earth and 'just' need to be implemented in the Schiphol infrastructure, which still might be a tough challenge as it might require some adjustment.

Moonshots take change a step further into the unknown. It is like landing on the moon. Yes, it has been done. We have all seen the example that it should be possible, yet it remains a risky endeavor that requires a lot of experimentation on how to get this done in our domain.

Marsshots are about those ideas that break the ground rules, disrupting the core principles and values of our business. Like Elon Musk's mission to go to Mars. There is no clear picture of that future, and no clear understanding of how to make it work or even how to get there.

Ask yourself:

• Name three examples from your organization per Innovation horizon 1, 2, 3.

• What is the difference between your innovation approach for each of these Horizons?

• How can you create a metaphor that is immediately understood by the entire organisation to distinguish between the different horizons and approaches?