The Challenge

“We are looking for new ideas on how such super fast connection speeds could be used by customers. [...] Unlock your creativity, use your imagination and let us know!”

UPC recently developed the ‘UPC Fiber Power’, a product providing incredible internet download speeds of up to 120 Mbps. The introduction in the Netherlands had to be followed by introductions in all other UPC countries. UPC management approached Innovation Factory with the request for a way to involve the employees throughout Europe in celebrating this important milestone. Innovation Factory proposed to host an Idea Challenge.

Managing the Challenge

The Idea Challenge started with a clear and concise question, providing scope and direction. An efficiepnt and professional idea management organisation and workflow was set up, pivotal to supporting a successful Idea Challenge. The evaluation process was defined and the corresponding evaluation criteria as well as appointing the right people to coordinate the process. The coordinators were trained in best practices on how to motivate users tdo create better ideas through Challenge Management®. One of the mechanisms we utilised to raise awareness was a corporate mailing to potential contributors, hereby showing management engagement. Additionally, together with UPC marketing and LGI corporate communication we chose to create a series of thought-provoking posters. These were distributed throughout the ten participating countries.

Throughout the duration of the Idea Challenge, Innovation Factory provided coaching and support for both the coordinator and the team. We also provided regular updates of key statistics and developed specific desired software functionalities, upon request by UPC.

The results

In the UPC Fiber Power Idea Challenge we achieved a relatively constant growth in the number of ideas, through a phased introduction in the ten participating countries. Furthermore, reminders were sent halfway through the challenge, calling upon people to contribute their ideas. This resulted in regular peaks in site activity and contributions, displayed in the graph below.

The final results of the UPC Fiber challenge can be summoned up as such:

• 157 ideas, 300+ votes and 100 enrichments, submitted from all layers of the organization
• 40 ideas were put before a selection committee, consisting of several Vice Presidents. They selected the final winners, which were announced and awarded prizes at a company reception.
• Several combinations of multiple ideas have clear market potential

After the Idea Challenge had ended for its own employees, UPC continued this Challenge with UPC customers for three months. Both the number of ideas and enrichments, as well the quality and useful- ness of the contributions were satisfactorily. The Challenge was also a good opportunity to gain customers’ insight.

About the client

UPC (a Liberty Global Inc. company) provides bundled cable television, internet and telephone services to residential and commercial customers. UPC is active in ten European countries, and is the absolutely top provider by far in countries like Austria.