It can be done by following 1) Show innovation as a plan to mitigate risk. For example we need to migrate to GenAI else we have the risk of loosing the technology war 2) Involve them early and show the cost and benefit 3) Go for pilot mode where we can see small and incremental development 4) Show them quick wins if any using innovation 5) Align innovation with their/ organization's KPI/OKR/ Objective 6) Show them how the risk is controlled 7) Listen to them with empathy and take any idea from them if required 8) Deliver innovation and build trust over time

Key is to understand stakeholders concerns related to innovation. Innovation is how for them and not “why” for them. First you have to be genuinely convinced and confident about innovation is the only means or one of the best bet to achieve the goals. Then present rationale to stakeholders and bring them along with your vision and ideas. Your argument should be backed by data and proven case studies. Emphasize the competitive advantage of innovation and outline a controlled, phased plan with checkpoints. Engage a cross-functional team for buy-in, showing stakeholders that innovation can be a low-risk, manageable journey with clear oversight and measurable outcomes.

It would need a clear risk assessment and roadmap to mitigate the risks as and then they occur. For example, if stakeholders want to reduce cost, we need to make sure the budget is balanced. Extra expenditure in one aspect has to be nullified with the optimisation and savings in another domain without altering the final deliverables and so on.

Like most decisions you encourage the bold & progressive option. Without catastrophizing, you show precedence and where it's been done well before, then how your project will benefit and suffer without interventions ...that are bold.

New innovations come with risks. Clearly understood path of design development is the way to mitigate and control risk. The existing design algorithmic method in the energy sector, where existing designs are scaled up/down to suit, is not suitable for new innovations. The rigour of front end development is not good enough when it comes to new innovations. Axiomatic design is the way when it comes to new innovations.

Approach to handle innovative solutions based on stakeholder risk appetite can be achieved thru below steps: - Impact of the innovative solution suggested by the engineering team has to be studied based on overall project constraints wrt cost, schedule and scope. - Complete cost-benefit analysis and impact on additional constraints such as resources, quality, risks etc. have to be evaluated. - Advantage wrt cost, schedule, scope or other constraints can be evaluated vs high risks. - Change request to be raised for Innovative solution covering all aspects for approval. - Stakeholder analysis helps in prioritizing the stakeholders based on power/influence model. This can help if any further conflict occurs.

Understand the root causes of stakeholders' risk aversion. Stakeholders may be cautious for various reasons, such as the potential impact on company outcomes, revenue, reputation, or brand value. Once you've identified the reasons behind their risk aversion, it becomes much easier to explore solutions—whether innovative or traditional—that address their concerns effectively

Je peux prendre le risque, mais un risque etudié que vient apres des prospections, des etudes de faisabilité et de l'expertise

1. Show the value, the impact, and ROI (not necessarily financial) 2. Show the plan to achieve the objectives, including a sound risk management strategy 3. Keep listening to the market while executing the project 3. Communicate with the stakeholders assertively along the project

Clearly link your ideas to the organization’s objectives, whether it’s improving efficiency, reducing costs, or gaining a competitive edge.