State of Innovation 2026
European innovation united to drive progress
Innovation is under increasing pressure. Organizations are expected to demonstrate clear returns on their innovation investments, while innovation models continue to evolve. Many organizations have moved from centralized approaches to decentralized structures, and in some cases back again.
At the same time, industry-wide data and benchmarking remain limited. As a result, many innovation leaders still rely on isolated success stories instead of robust, comparable insights.
That is the gap we aim to close.
With State of Innovation, we go beyond anecdotes and individual cases. We provide a data-driven view of how innovation is organized across organizations and which strategic choices are most effective in different contexts.
What do you get?
How the report creates impact for your organization
Mentioned in the report
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Receive your benchmark score
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Invited to the launch event
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Optional: the in-depth interview
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Why Contribute as Innovation Leader?
Complete the Survey and Gain Insights That will Move Your Innovation Forward.
Unique Insights
We chart how innovation functions are strategically positioned, how governance is set up, and how performance is measured and communicated to the board. In-depth interviews also deliver unique, sector-specific insights.
Guided by data
In addition to receiving the State of Innovation report, you will also receive a benchmark analysis for your organization. This analysis is prepared by our innovation experts at nlmtd Tech Discovery and provides quantitative insights to guide and support your strategy.
Exposure & Event
In addition to being recognized as an Innovation EU Partner in the report, your organization will also be invited to the launch event. This is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow innovation leaders and explore ways to strengthen your innovation ecosystem.
Timeline
1. Survey open
2. Interviews
3. Data analysis
4. Launch Report
5. Launch Event
nlmtd, pleasure meeting you
nlmtd is a team of 150+ experts helping organizations across Europe turn ambitious ideas into real impact. As a certified B Corp, we combine strategic insight and hands-on execution to create lasting value for businesses, society, and the planet. From our offices in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, we lead European innovation programs and work with organizations such as Schiphol Group, Port of Rotterdam Authority, ProRail, TenneT, Stedin, and Essent. Our expertise spans energy, mobility, infrastructure, aviation strategy, and large transformation programs.
