Gaining stakeholder support starts with understanding their concerns and priorities. Clear communication is key—explaining how an idea aligns with business goals makes it more compelling. Data-backed insights help build credibility, while real-world examples and case studies show practical benefits. Engaging stakeholders early in the process fosters a sense of ownership and reduces skepticism. Demonstrating small wins through pilot projects can also prove viability. The key is to address doubts proactively and show that innovation isn’t just a risk—it’s an opportunity for growth.

Turn your stakeholder into early adaptor. Early adaptor understood that there are certain risks and perhaps a period of struggle, before getting a hang of things and starting to derive benefit from new technology, product, service, idea, or strategy. To do so, the foundation is involving critical stakeholder early in the process, incorporate their feedback if possible/appropriate, and make them feel that they are a part of the creation process. Definitely want to hear their concerns and address them. In some ways, this helps reduce the risk of stakeholder becoming skeptical at a later time, and perhaps even becoming defender or champion of the innovation.

Present data-driven prototypes and pilot results, clearly demonstrating the innovation's potential value and feasibility. Frame the innovation's risks as calculated steps toward long-term strategic advantage, not reckless gambles. Actively solicit stakeholder feedback and incorporate it into the development process, fostering a sense of ownership and shared success.