How a regulated utility innovates without breaking things

Safety and stability are essential for public utilities. But they face pressure to innovate to keep up with technological innovation, environmental threats and consumer demands. Can they move fast without breaking things? Juanita Gonzalez-Uribe and Robyn Klingler-Vidra studied open innovation programmes undertaken by United Utilities, which serves England’s north-west. They found that UU’s approach unlocks employee talent, attracts start-ups as partners and ignites a culture of innovation across the organisation.