Interview with Christos Kyriakidis, Kjaer Group A/S

Chris, in which way was the seminar relevant for your business?
Harry Barkema not only guided us through the methodologies, but we also gained new insight through examples from various industries. These insights we can put into practice in ours. He helped us to realize that the winning strategy out of the financial crisis is business model innovation.

How did you experience the preparation process, the work on the assignments, the actual classroom work?
The assignment was highly relevant to our business and current circumstances. During the work in class, we were able to build up very concrete plans which we are going to implement.

Christos Kyriakidis Which concrete outcomes were there for the Kjaer Group?
During the workshop, we prepared three innovation projects which will be implemented in 2009. These projects were added to the Balance Scorecards of Kjaer Group’s Operations Management immediately after the seminar. The innovation template has been used to elaborate on the draft plans, and the plans will be finalized through a peer-review process among the participants of the workshop.

Are you planning to continue your cooperation with the ICCL?
The Kjaer Group expects to be part of ICCL, and as a next step to participate in a seminar together with other companies. Simultaneously, we would welcome researchers from ICCL (e.g. PhD students) to work with us on the implementation of the innovation projects.