ABSTRACT
Corporations are increasingly focused on using innovation leadership to develop their competitive edge. As a result, they are finding ways to harness the creativity of their employees in many different areas of their organizations including entrepreneurial and research and development programs. These programs require innovation leaders at multiple levels to serve in roles such as change champions, innovation team leaders, middle management sponsors, and executive leaders. Innovation leaders are critical for success at all levels of the organization and during all phases of the innovation process. This chapter will discuss general characteristics of an innovation leader during different steps of the CREATE model. Innovation leadership competencies and leadership styles will be discussed relative to the innovation environment and the characteristics of followers.
