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Growth at the Edge of Core: Real-World Case Studies

This page presents corporate innovation case studies that show Growth at the Edge of Core. See how leading companies built adjacent businesses, aligned with BU portfolios, and achieved measurable results through evidence-based scaling and de-risked execution.

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Growth at the Edge Case Studies

Corporate innovators often ask what success at the edge looks like. These case studies show how companies built adjacent businesses that delivered measurable results while staying aligned with strategy and protecting the core.

The Problem

Edge opportunities sit between Innovation and the business. They are too uncertain for business-as-usual and too close to the core for classic incubation. Without shared ownership and clear proof, initiatives stall in pilots and miss their window.

The Fix

Successful teams use an evidence-based path that ties work to BU outcomes and de-risks early:
  • Define success in BU KPIs and agree baselines and target movement.
  • Secure BU co-ownership from day one with roles, cadence, and decision gates.
  • Plan integration before proof, covering process, systems, funding, and hand-offs.
  • Report like finance: metric, baseline, movement, and the next step to scale.
When proof meets business reality, adoption follows — and scaling becomes the next logical step.

Case Studies

The examples below are representative composites based on real engagements. Each shows how adjacent growth moved from pilot to adoption with BU ownership and measurable outcomes.
  • Industrial Tech (B2B services): New data service launched with a BU sponsor. From paid pilots to 8 enterprise customers within 12 months. Margin impact reported quarterly with finance.
  • Consumer Goods (D2C adjacency): Direct channel built on existing brands and logistics. First-year contribution reached a meaningful share of new revenue. Adoption driven by shared KPIs and joint steering.
  • Transportation & Logistics (ops efficiency): Startup solution sourced via Venture Clienting. Cycle time reduced in targeted lanes. Integration plan agreed before proof, enabling rapid scale to additional sites.
  • Materials & Specialty Chemicals (new segment entry): Adjacent use case identified from H2 portfolio dialogs. Evidence package aligned with finance. Funding released at a green decision gate based on risk reduction.

Make It Work for You

If you want to:
  • Spot adjacent growth that fits your capabilities and P&L goals
  • Run an evidence-based path from proof to adoption with BU co-owners
  • Report progress in business terms that secure leadership support

You are welcome to book a short call. No pitch. Clear next steps to turn edge potential into results.

Related Reading

Explore the core practices behind these outcomes:
De-Risk Strategic Growth Initiatives,
and
Align Innovation with BU H2 Portfolios,
and
Run Effective BU–Innovation Strategy Dialogs.

PS: Learn about the Lean Scaleup framework or explore how we help corporate innovators shift the corporate mindset here.

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