Aligning Senior Leaders on a Unified Innovation Framework for Target
We executed a strategic alignment programme to build cohesion across the global innovation portfolio for Target.
Context
Creating Alignment Between Innovation Leaders
Target Corporation is the eighth largest retailer in the US and a component of the S&P 500, with over $96B in global turnover (2021). A future-focused company, Target runs a broad spectrum of innovation initiatives - from startup accelerators to internal capability-building programmes - across its global offices and sourcing centres.
Innovation has long been a growth driver for the business, including notable acquisitions in online delivery and cosmetics. But with a rapidly shifting global landscape, the company recognised the need to continue evolving - not just through external innovation, but by transforming from the inside out.
Target asked Studio Zao to support a strategic alignment programme to generate cohesion across its innovation leadership. The objective was to create consensus on a unified innovation framework and platform that could guide the organisation forward.
Approach
Designing a Collaborative Process
We designed and delivered a bespoke series of workshops, tailored to Target’s innovation systems and delivered virtually using Zoom and Miro.
We aimed to:
Align senior stakeholders on the current innovation landscape — what’s working and where barriers exist
Identify shared principles to guide innovation across functions
Establish a high-level roadmap for collaboration and focus
Bespoke Workshop Design
We co-developed a structured journey that included:
Mapping the current and future state of innovation across the business
Building mutual consensus on a strategic innovation framework
Defining shared KPIs to incentivise and drive innovation
Stakeholder Insights
We began by surveying innovation leaders to surface diverse views across teams. These insights informed the workshop design and helped highlight complementary perspectives across functional units.
Facilitated Workshop Delivery
We facilitated collaborative plenary sessions and breakout discussions, applying structured exercises to explore concepts and align on shared priorities.
Impact
The project served as a “strategic refresh” point to activate a wider, more tactical and practical discussion about their roadmap, balance of resources required, and how to evolve the company culture to leverage a stronger innovation mindset.