What strategies can businesses employ to prevent competitors from piggybacking on their innovative ideas?

Companies can use several innovative strategies to determine if a product is worth doing. Firstly, they can conduct market research to understand the demand for the product and whether it solves a problem better than existing solutions. Secondly, they can analyze the financial costs associated with the product and determine how it fits with their current strategies. They should consider whether the product will be profitable and how long it will take to see a return. Lastly, they should assess whether the product aligns with the company's culture.

The concept of 'can we win' challenges existing practices in market competition by forcing companies to critically evaluate their competitive position and potential for success before launching a new product or service. This involves assessing whether they can secure and maintain sufficient market share, especially in the face of competition that may quickly imitate or adapt to their new idea. This approach challenges the traditional 'build it and they will come' mentality, instead advocating for a more strategic and calculated approach to innovation.