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# The Insider's Guide to Innovation by M&A S12 Ep36
- URL: https://www.philmckinney.com/insiders-guide-innovation-ma/
- Published: 2016-12-06T13:00:06.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-01T14:09:45.000Z
- Author: Phil McKinney
- Tags: Past Shows, Studio Sessions, acquiring innovation, Innovation by acquisition, Innovation by M&A, innovation by merger and acquisition, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-03-26 05:08

Download [The\_Insiders\_Guide\_to\_Innovation\_by\_MA\_S12\_Ep36.mp3](http://traffic.libsyn.com/philmckinney/The%5FInsiders%5FGuide%5Fto%5FInnovation%5Fby%5FMA%5FS12%5FEp36.mp3?ref=philmckinney.com)

There is an explosion in companies who are securing innovation by M&A (mergers and acquisitions). In the last 36 months, 57% of M&A deals were based on innovation.

When companies find themselves behind the market, "innovating by acquisition" becomes a quick way to catch-up through the work of others. At the same time, if an orgnization is not careful, they can put their own R&D and innovation efforts at risk.

In this weeks show, I shared my experiences in managing innovation by M&A. Topics covered include:

- Is innovation by M&A the "easiest way" to catch-up?
- Isn't this approach a way to hide a corporate culture where failure is not tolerated?
- Are the M&A teams within an organization ready for this shift?
- Do these teams need to change their tools, methods and decision criteria to be successful?
- Does [innovation by M&A](https://www.philmckinney.com/innovation-from-mergers-and-acquisitions/) have an impact on R&D/innovation activities within an organization?
- How do competitors respond?
- What are the six elements/steps to having a market leading innovation by M&A capability?  
  - Define your M&A/Innovation strategy
  - Think through your options
  - Develop a new approach to deal evaluation that accommodates "[innovation value](http://philmckinney.com/rd-productivity/?ref=philmckinney.com)"
  - Negotiate and close the deal with innovation value in mind
  - Integration is harder than it sounds
  - Implementation doesn't stop on 'Day 1'
- What are the most effective strategies for innovation by acquisition?  
  - Having a clear road-map  
    - Clarity of objectives
    - Defined product road map that is flexible to accept innovations from accusation
    - Go-to-market that flexible to accommodate new innovations from the outside
  - Strategic Integration  
    - Team retention and integrations with a strong consideration for culture
    - Aligning the innovation by acquisition with long term strategic visions
  - Ownership by sponsors  
    - High degree of involvement by the deal sponsors can greatly improve the success of the deal

## Additional Resources:

- [Innovation By Acquisition (July 2011)](https://www.philmckinney.com/innovation-from-mergers-and-acquisitions/)
- [Here Is The Metric That Can Predict Future Innovation Value](http://philmckinney.com/rd-productivity/?ref=philmckinney.com)