The main objective was to introduce and develop the role of the Workplace Innovation Manager, envisioned as a pivotal internal resource for driving innovation across organizations. This role was intended to serve as a knowledge hub, spreading essential concepts such as ideas management, design thinking, and innovation capabilities throughout the organization. We aimed to create and define a comprehensive competency framework for the W.I. Manager role and to develop a specialized curriculum and training materials to equip future Workplace Innovation Managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster innovation effectively within their organizations. Additionally, the project aimed to promote a proactive mindset among managers, emphasizing their crucial role in leading workplace innovation initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Enhancing the skills and competencies of managers and employees was also a key objective, enabling them to contribute to and sustain workplace innovation effectively. Finally, the project aimed to establish a holistic framework for the W.I. Manager role at a European level, ensuring that this new professional profile is consistently recognized and implemented across the EU.
The WIN project was initiated to address the critical challenges of digital transformation and workplace innovation, which were dramatically accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many companies, particularly SMEs, found themselves unprepared for the sudden shift to remote work and digital collaboration. These organizations needed support in adopting essential tools such as video conferencing, secure document sharing, and cloud solutions, as well as in ensuring information security. Moreover, there was a growing need to enhance workplace innovation to improve employee motivation, working conditions, and overall business competitiveness. The project sought to empower business owners and managers to develop new competencies in human resources management, recognizing that innovation often emerges from within the workforce itself. The project also aimed to promote transnational collaboration, enabling the exchange of best practices and the development of policies that support the modernization of work organizations. Ultimately, WIN was designed to tackle the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic while laying a foundation for sustained innovation and digitalization, in line with the core values of the European Union.