Generali Switzerland to open an inhouse Innovation Garage

As part of a new strategic direction, Generali Switzerland is currently undergoing a transformation process and innovation will be a key factor in the company’s future success. As a central part of its innovation culture, Generali opened an Innovation Garage at their Adliswil location. Here, insurance specialists and external partners will cultivate an idea pipeline with an open-innovation approach, which will be orientated to the needs of customers in the digital age.

 

This will involve Generali employees, the in-house start-up LINGS, as well as five external start-ups from the areas of artificial intelligence, crypto-security and Insurtech. Also involved are partners such as the FinTech Incubator F10, the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and corporate partners such as Salesforce. In close cooperation with the Generali Group, the actors will create an innovative range of insurance solutions. As early as 2015, the MIT Technology Review rated the Generali Group one of the ‘50 smartest companies in the world.’

 

«New Way of Working»

 

With a focus on innovation, Generali will also promote a “New Way of Working.” This will comprise working methods such as Agile and Human-Centred Design, which can be implemented to their full potential in the Innovation Garage. Pietro Carnevale, Head of Strategy and Innovation, sees many advantages for the company: «Agile methods help us to become quicker and to break free from the increasing complexity of our organisational structures». Human-Centred Design refers to the method that allows the company to get closer to the customer. «We can more flexibly react to the changing expectations and habits of our customers and create true value in the long term with our innovative solutions». In addition, the company will also be able to give something back to science and society.

 

Jennifer Jordan, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at IMD says: «I’m really honored to be here on this special day for Generali. As a person who studies leaders and leadership, I think the way that they set up the garage here is excellent in the sense that it’s close enough to the main operation but yet far enough away that it can be innovative and can think differently and can stimulate a different way of thinking. And hopefully bring what is learned here back to Generali.»

 

Embodied Culture of Innovation

 

The Innovation Garage offers optimal space for co-creation and is therefore a key part of the culture of innovation. «Innovation means progress, not standing still, being inquisitive about the needs of our customers», says Andreas Krümmel, CEO of Generali Switzerland. «The innovation garage is intended to be our home for many creative moments, with a lively exchange of views both internally and externally. I am looking forward to these encounters.»

 

The spacious, open premises allow employees to constantly interact with one another whilst also promoting straightforward workflows. Comfortable seating areas offer a haven for relaxation and long desks promote communication. A variety of furniture types, different decors and industrial design ceilings round off the concept.

 

First Swiss On-Demand Insurance from LINGS

 

In order to meet customer needs as quickly and consistently as possible, last summer Generali Switzerland founded the «Corporate Start-up» LINGS. LINGS, which was developed by four employees from Generali, is organised as an autonomous team and operates like an independent small company that develops innovative solutions entirely with the customer in mind.

 

At the end of 2017, Switzerland’s first on-demand insurance was launched. «Photography fans can insure their photo equipment as well as their electronic devices (smartphone, tablet, notebook) against theft, loss, damage or destruction», says Kai-Nicholas Kunze, CEO of LINGS. «The policies have no excess and everything can be concluded online, from start to finish. With one click, insurance protection can be activated precisely when it suits the customer».