SPARCK, the design and innovation heart of technology consultancy BJSS, published an article I wrote a few weeks ago as part of the ongoing thought leadership into the future of product and innovation.

As an agility strategist attached to the BJSS/SPARCK office in Nottingham, I’ve been fortunate to work with a team of very smart and passionate digital strategists, business designers, product specialists, specially selected from across the 3,000 strong organisation. Together we are co-creating something unique that propels organisations towards business agility.

In my experience, product is a key enabler of agility. When organizations adopt a product mindset, they naturally align with many of the principles of agility. This perspective is shared with many thought leaders.

Over the last decade, we’ve been observing increasing numbers of companies shifting toward a “product mode” of operation, and some are taking it a step further to become fully “product-led.” This strategic shift can provide a significant competitive advantage.

My article “Why innovation-driven organizations need the product operating model” is available at https://sparck.io/journal/why-innovation-driven-organisations-need-the-product-operating-model

In the article, we explore why adopting a product operating model is essential for modern businesses, highlighting the critical points in an organization’s growth where this approach becomes crucial.

We also examine common anti-patterns—typical but ineffective responses to recurring problems—that can create inefficiencies and lead to counterproductive behaviors.

More importantly, we discuss the specific challenges a product operating model can help resolve. This model isn’t just about restructuring your organization; it represents a deeper transformation toward:

• Continuous innovation
• Responsiveness to customer needs
• Iterative development

At its core, this approach focuses on delivering real value to customers by evolving products and services based on real-world feedback and shifting market conditions.

If you want to get the edge over your competitors you need to consider adopting the product operating model. It’s a big change, but worth it.