Many large companies lack the aptitude for innovation. We have a strong track record in coming up with break- through concepts for large companies because we are not afraid to think big and out of the box. Once the concept is there, we are rigorous and critical in the business-planning phase:
Issue
Early 2007, Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) started to feel the pressure from the potential introduction of ETS (European Trading Scheme for carbon credits) for aviation.
Approach / Recommendations / Actions
Spring Associates analyzed all possible options of diverting the cost of CO2 emission for aviation. In the end, biofuels were identified as the only short-term to medium-term solution with significant impact. The goal of a sustainable (green) kerosene alternative, combined with long- term stability in fuel prices, led to a biofuel initiative. The KLM/Spring team analyzed all biofuel options on their technical, ecological and economic merits, and found that second- generation biofuels would fit KLM’s rigorous environmental standards, and would also pass the technical and economic requirements. Rather than keeping the initiative in-house for 100%, KLM chose a venturing approach, to allow for maximum flexibility.
Results
On 23 November 2009, the SkyEnergy consortium was launched with the first commercial test flight with passengers on second- generation kerosene. The consortium consists of KLM, NSPH, Spring Associates and is endorsed by WWF. SkyEnergy will be supplying KLM with green kerosene in the years to come.
Issue
Spring Associates provided assistance in repositioning the online activities of a major European postal group. The client was seeking to transform the purpose of its website from an information-only site, to a source of business. The aim was to create a platform that would enhance the existing postage and express business, and venture new value sources. Spring Associates provided assistance to assess the feasibility and the value prospects of existing and future e-ventures.
Approach / Recommendations / Actions
After a high-level scan of the initiatives that were being developed in the organization, Spring Associates performed an in-depth analysis of the success factors regarding e-ventures for postal companies. The analysis comprised an assessment of the existing projects, successful ventures launched by competitors, and identification of new value sources. Spring Associates offered an overarching strategy to move the businesses forward in the organization, including a proposition for the most promising initiatives.
Results
Through the work of the Spring Associates team, the client was able to prioritize the development of the most promising e-ventures and terminate others. Since the completion of the project, the client has launched several successful e-ventures.