A DFG and FNRS-Funded Research Project by Zeppelin University (ZU) & Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Do Transitions Between Innovation Projects Matter?

Innovation projects are typically carried out by temporary, cross-functional, and dynamic project teams, often working within or across organizational boundaries. Once an innovation project ends, the project team members move on to new innovation project tasks. The move from one innovation project to another represents the transition stage between projects.

The Overlooked Transition Phase

While effective project management has long been recognized as a key success factor, traditional approaches primarily focus on two phases: Project Start and Project End. 

However, the Transition Phase — the period between completing one project and moving into the next — has been largely overlooked in both research and practice. 

Significant potential to shape the performance of subsequent innovation projects. Despite its importance, our current understanding of how to manage these transitions effectively remains extremely limited.

Our Research Project

Our study aims to:

– Develop a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of transition processes.

– Identify key elements influencing the design and outcome of the transition phases.

-Explore the roles that play in different types of transitions between innovation projects.

– And ultimately provide evidence-based recommendations to manage innovation project transitions effectively and efficiently.

Invitation to Collaboration

We highly value the insights of professionals who actively work in innovation projects.

You are warmly invited to collaborate with us to advance understanding of transitions between innovation projects. Your experience and insights help us explore how organizations navigate this crucial — yet often invisible — phase of innovation work.

What you can expect:

– An approximately 45-minute confidential, reflective interview about your experiences with project transitions

-The opportunity to share perspectives that are often overlooked in innovation management

-A chance to contribute to research that can support more sustainable innovation work environments

At the end of this project, you will also be invited to a workshop where we present the evidence-based recommendations developed from our research findings.

We sincerely appreciate the time and insights of everyone who supports this project.

Our Project Team

Our project team works under the joint guidance of Prof. Dr. Matthias Weiß (Zeppelin Chair of Innovation Management & Transformation, ZU) and Prof. Dr. Judith Behrens (Solvay Brussels Business School of Economic, ULB). Prof. Dr. Weiß contributes profound expertise in innovation management, organizational behavior, and team resilience, while Prof. Dr. Behrens brings extensive knowledge in entrepreneurship, decision-making, and innovation outcomes. Ms. Woinska adds practitioner insights from strategy consulting, particularly in analytical problem-solving and project-based innovation work. Ms. Von der Mühlen complements this with her sustainable business development and change management knowledge, and hands-on experience in innovative projects within the international medical products industry. Together, they provide an interdisciplinary foundation for our research and ensure a strong connection between academic rigor and practical relevance.

We look forward to your collaboration and to building meaningful partnerships throughout the project.

Contact:

-Hla Myo Thu von der Mühlen: myo.vondermuehlen@zu.de

– Izabela Woinska: izabela.woinska@ulb.be

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