Innovation and forecasting, 2 complementary ideas
Jean-François Rous explains innovation as “the discipline that helps prepare a company for its future”. Although linked, innovation and forecasting remain 2 distinct fields. One aims to combine a technology (solution) and a market (need); the other, closely tied to a company’s long-term strategy, involves identifying a company’s challenges and focus in the immediate and distant future.
For Jean-François Rous, the main difficulty lies in making choices—and therefore taking risks—in terms of which innovation projects to pursue and which options to keep open.
The Group’s major challenges
Jean-François Rous sees 3 major innovation challenges for Sofiprotéol :
- successfully developing 2nd generation biofuels,
- solidifying the Group’s entry into plant chemistry,
- continuously developing new human and animal nutrition products.
In the area of forecasting, several subjects are currently under consideration. For Jean-François Rous, this is the exciting part of the job. “The idea of ‘no limits’ and ‘no taboos’ is essential in the initial phases of forecasting. Reflecting on these subjects—sometimes for up to several months—helps them take shape and ensures dreams become reality.”
A human focus
Jean-François Rous has been involved in innovation projects with several companies. Over the course of his career, he was worked with the Unilever group, the Rhodia group and Cerep, a biotechnology company. He also took part in the Industrial Innovation Agency (Agence de l’Innovation Industrielle, AII) project.
When speaking about these various experiences, he emphasizes the human aspect. “As beautiful as it is, innovation depends on the will of men and women who are driven by a passion to prepare for the future. What could be more exciting than helping solve tomorrow’s challenges: protecting our planet and ensuring humanity’s well-being?” he concludes.
