Also known as Extend & Defend Innovation, Horizon 1 (H1) Innovation refers to significant technological advances that push an existing offering to leap ahead of its competition. The advancement is often driven by a dedicated R&D department that is dedicated to finding the next patentable method, device or technology.

Examples of Horizon 1 Innovation:

  • Adding telephony features to the iPod to create the first iPhone
  • Dyson’s bagless vacuums

When developing an ROI model for breakthrough Innovation, the following sections of the SOFIA model should be given the highest priority:

  • Q1 – Revenue/Profit Margin Improvements on New Offerings
  • Q2 – R&D Optimization
  • Q4 – Knowledge Worker Productivity Increase