Turning Strategy Into Action Across One of Europe's Largest AI Research Networks
The short version.
Helmholtz AI, the Artificial Intelligence cooperation unit of the Helmholtz Association, one of Europe's largest research networks, partnered with Innov8 to facilitate strategy development and annual planning across a multidisciplinary network of AI researchers, consultants and leadership from research centres across Germany.
Helmholtz AI operates in one of the world's fastest-moving scientific fields. With experts distributed across multiple research centres, disciplines and functions, the challenge was to create a structured process that aligned long-term strategic direction with annual priorities, strengthened collaboration across teams and translated ambitious goals into concrete initiatives.
We first facilitated a strategy workshop to clarify organisational priorities and ways of working. Building on this foundation, Innov8 designed and facilitated the annual Helmholtz AI Yearly Planning (HAYAP) event over two consecutive years, combining stakeholder interviews, strategic dialogue, collaborative planning and practical workshop methods to align more than 45 participants around shared priorities and action plans.
The annual planning process established a repeatable framework for strategic alignment, enabling leadership, researchers and operational teams to jointly define priorities, build ownership and translate strategy into concrete initiatives. Following the initial engagement, Innov8 has been invited back to facilitate the process for three consecutive years.
From strategic dialogue to annual execution.
Establish Strategic Direction
We began by facilitating a strategy workshop with Helmholtz AI leadership to clarify priorities, strengthen role clarity and align the team around a common direction. Through collaborative strategy exercises, prioritisation, RACI mapping and organisational planning, the workshop established the foundation for future strategic planning and ways of working.
Design the Annual Planning Process
Building on this foundation, we worked closely with the Helmholtz AI management team to design a structured annual planning process. This included stakeholder interviews, workshop design, facilitation methods and collaborative planning tools that ensured participants from research, administration and leadership could actively contribute to shaping priorities for the coming year.
Facilitate Strategy into Action
Over two consecutive annual planning events, we facilitated interactive strategy workshops for approximately 45 participants. Using methods such as Fishbowl discussions, Current/Future thinking, prioritisation exercises, project canvases and World Café presentations, participants translated long-term strategic ambitions into concrete initiatives, owners, milestones and action plans.
Build a Lasting Partnership
Following the success of the initial engagements, Innov8 was invited back to facilitate the annual strategy and planning process year after year. The workshops evolved continuously to reflect new strategic priorities while maintaining a consistent planning framework that strengthened collaboration, created shared ownership and helped turn strategy into coordinated action across the organisation. The consistently positive feedback from both participants and the leadership team reinforced the value of the approach and contributed to the ongoing partnership.
By the numbers
In my view, external support is almost a must-have for efficient workshops. Thanks so much Arnold first, for guiding preparation and supporting delivery of this collaborative workshop in an effective format, and then for engaging with Helmholtz AI in such a great personable way. I'm looking forward to more joint work in preparing post event operationalisation.
Services behind this engagement
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Strategy & Organisational Development
We help organisations turn strategic ambition into coordinated action. Through collaborative planning, stakeholder engagement and structured facilitation, we create shared direction, clarify priorities and establish practical ways of working that support long-term success.
Strategy & Organisational Development
This engagement focused on designing and facilitating a repeatable annual planning process that aligned strategic priorities, clarified ownership and created a common direction across the organisation.
Learn more about this service ›Workshop & Process Facilitation
We design and facilitate workshops that bring people together, create shared understanding and turn conversations into practical actions. Every session is tailored to your objectives, participants and organisational context.
Workshop & Process Facilitation
Interactive planning workshops enabled participants to prioritise initiatives, align stakeholders and develop concrete action plans together.
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