Innovation Management at the Fuzzy Front End

This chapter examines the strategic management of the Fuzzy Front End (FFE) in innovation, emphasizing its role in new product development for mature firms with extensive product portfolios. We show how FFE shapes competitive advantage and how artificial intelligence (AI) redefines early-stage decision-making, business case development, and business model innovation. AI reveals emerging opportunities, enhances decision-making under uncertainty, and strengthens risk assessment. We underline its impact on resource allocation, balancing disruptive innovation with operational stability. AI accelerates business model evolution, sharpening project selection, portfolio management, and strategic alignment.