Innovation Keynote –
Talking isn't enough.
Doing counts.
Innovation isn't a workshop topic – it's a mindset. Roman Weishäupl shows why most innovation initiatives fail, what Silicon Valley really does differently and how organisations build a culture where new ideas actually emerge.
In his innovation keynote, Roman Weishäupl shows why most innovation initiatives fail, what Silicon Valley really does differently and how organisations build a culture in which new ideas actually emerge. He combines 10+ years of Silicon Valley experience with hands-on insight from current innovation projects – and gives the audience concrete structures, rituals and metrics instead of slogans.
What your audience
takes away
No grey theory. Roman delivers clear insights that work immediately in everyday professional life – understandable for everyone, relevant for every industry.
Why innovation fails
The most common reasons well-intentioned innovation projects stall – and how to avoid them.
Failure culture as a catalyst
How a genuine failure culture (not just the proclaimed one) unleashes speed and creativity.
Silicon Valley principles
What's actually transferable from the Valley – and what remains a myth. Direct from 10+ years on the ground.
Structure for innovation
Which frameworks, rituals and structures embed innovation in daily operations rather than blocking it.
Teams as innovation engines
How psychological safety, diversity and clear goals create innovative teams.
Measuring innovation
How to define, measure and communicate innovation success – beyond buzzwords.
Innovation keynote: frequently asked questions
What is Roman Weishäupl's innovation keynote about?
The keynote treats innovation as a mindset rather than a workshop topic. Roman explains why well-intentioned innovation projects stall, how a genuine failure culture – not just a proclaimed one – unlocks speed, and which Silicon Valley principles actually transfer. He also covers the frameworks and rituals that embed innovation in daily work, the role of psychological safety in teams and how to measure innovation success beyond buzzwords.
Why do so many corporate innovation initiatives fail?
Usually not for lack of ideas, but because people lack the conditions to act on them. Innovation labs and special programmes often sit far away from where real problems arise – and from the employees who understand those problems best. In the keynote, Roman shows how structure, a working failure culture and clear goals close that gap.
What are Spark Cells?
Spark Cells are small, decentralised innovation units embedded directly in operational teams. The concept originated in the US Air Force's AFWERX programme; FUTURE CANDY is supporting the development of Spark Cells in the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) as a framework partner. Employees use them to identify problems, develop ideas and test solutions where their work actually happens – read more in What organisations can learn from an innovation model inside the Bundeswehr.
Who is the innovation keynote for?
Executives, strategy and innovation teams as well as mixed company audiences. The content is accessible to everyone and relevant to every industry. Roman has spoken for healthcare, energy, consumer goods, financial services, manufacturing, public institutions and tech startups, among others.
How long is the keynote and in which languages is it available?
The innovation keynote runs 45 to 90 minutes and is available in English or German – for audiences of 8 to 5,000 people, in Germany and internationally. Every keynote is prepared individually: after an alignment call and a deep dive into your topic, Roman builds in your industry and your specific questions. Ideally, get in touch 6–8 weeks before the event.
Can the innovation keynote be combined with other topics?
Yes. It works as a standalone keynote or in combination. Natural pairings are the Silicon Valley keynote for the mindset and methods behind the Valley, or the transformation keynote for cultural change. If you want to anchor innovation in your organisation for the long term, the Digital Explorer Framework provides the structure.
Let's make this happen
As a standalone keynote or combined with other topics – tailored to your event.