Front End of Innovation is the initial, experimental stage of the development process, in which ideas and opportunities are being identified and analysed. Investments, risks and human resources are rather limited in this stage.

After a profound screening the decision is made whether an idea is developed into a concept or classified in a databank awaiting possible future developments.

The result of the Front End of Innovation activities is not a finished product, but a Product Definition Statement. Herein among others the innovation level, the potential, the requirements and the limitations of the product are described.