Critical Success Factors to Embedding Innovation in UK Rail

An independent review collaboratively created by Hey Me and Abi Broadley Consulting

Why do some innovations succeed while others fall into the valley of death? Current literature diagnoses the problems, this paper focuses on the what makes innovations successful on a day to day basis.

Over eight months of research, we spoke to 50+ contributors from across the rail sector through 38 one-to-one interviews, a roundtable and a panel event, drawing on the experiences of individuals from Network Rail, operators, Tier 1s, SMEs, investors and public bodies across track and train, passenger and freight.

Five critical success factors:

  1. Solve a real problem: know the challenge, the environment, the end user and the value your solution brings.
  2. Collaboration: build connections and work closely with others to ensure the solution fits a real need.
  3. Communication: be clear and consistent to build relationships, realise opportunities and aid adoption.
  4. Having the right champion: build a network of champions beyond the formal sponsor process, they will help promote your solution.
  5. Commitment and persistence: embedding innovation in UK rail can take a decade or more, plan for the full journey.

None of the factors work in isolation, but together they offer far greater potential for success.

Who’s it for

Innovators and SMEs, buyer, operators and infrastructure owners, Tier 1s, champions and sponsors, and investors. The paper sets out practical advice and covers some of the conditions innovators must navigate for the potential of success.

 

What comes next

In 2027, we’ll host a series of events exploring each critical success factor. Follow Amy Jeffs and Abi Broadley on LinkedIn for updates.

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