Dott. Giuseppe DaneseCEO of Gruppo Danese
A yachting group, from offline to online markets
Needs mapping, process analysis and a digital transformation path followed step by step. The CEO tells the story in his own words (video in Italian).
Temporary innovation manager: innovation leadership without a permanent hire
A temporary innovation manager is a professional who joins your company for a defined period and leads innovation as an internal executive would. I do this for a few days a month, with written goals and an end date. You get management skills without the cost and lead time of a permanent hire.
Ing. Vito Domenico Amodio
Engineer and Innovation Manager, I work with you directly
- UNI 11814 Innovation Manager · Apave no. 38-M
- Licensed engineer, Lecce no. 4603
- Listed by MISE as innovation manager in 2019
- Working with SMEs since 2014
UNI 11814, the Italian standard for innovation managers, lists the temporary manager among the typical job titles of the role, alongside Chief Innovation Officer and senior consultant. It is the role I have held since 2022 at Moviweb S.r.l., where I am CIO, and the one I bring to client companies. If a project needs web or software development, I tell you in advance whether I am proposing Moviweb, and the choice of supplier stays with you.
When you need it
The service is designed for:
SMEs without an internal lead
For innovation or IT, where technology decisions land on the owner’s desk along with everything else
Foreign groups with a site in Italy
That need a local innovation lead who works in English and reports to headquarters
Companies starting a major project
A new ERP, a B2B e-commerce platform, a grant-funded project with deadlines and reporting
Family businesses in generational transition
Where the next generation wants to change methods and tools but needs outside guidance
Groups and business networks
That must coordinate several digital projects and suppliers
Companies that have lost their internal lead
And do not want ongoing projects to stop.
It is not the right fit if you only need a technician for day-to-day PC and network problems: for that you need an IT support service.
What I do
I take part in management decisions
On innovation and digital topics, in an advisory role to the owners.
I run the project portfolio
Priorities, budget, progress, decisions to continue or stop an initiative.
I coordinate suppliers
Specifications, comparison of offers, contracts, SLAs, acceptance testing.
I oversee ICT governance and security
System inventory, backups, access, business continuity, data protection duties in coordination with your appointed advisers.
I manage funded projects
Schedule, progress reports, reporting documents, relations with the funding body.
I train and involve people
Alignment meetings, targeted training, collecting problems from the ground up.
I develop an internal lead
So the know-how stays in the company when the engagement ends.
How I work
Listening
In an introductory call we work out together whether you really need a temporary manager or a project-based engagement is enough. We then set a written mandate with goals, duration, days per month, powers and contacts: without a clear mandate the role does not work.
Diagnosis
In the opening thirty days I carry out a rapid assessment, meet key people and map ongoing projects and suppliers.
Plan and resources
At the end of the opening thirty days I give you an action plan for the period.
Delivery and results
Regular progress meetings, decisions and coordination, with a short report after each cycle; every quarter we look at the indicators, adjust the plan and revisit the commitment if needed. At the end I hand over with documentation, procedures and coaching of the internal lead.
These are the four steps of the method I follow in every project.
The cycle follows the plan, do, check, act model that ISO 56001 applies to innovation management.
What you get
Mandate and action plan
for the period, with measurable goals.
Up-to-date map of systems, suppliers and projects
Innovation roadmap
reviewed every quarter.
Decision minutes
and progress reports.
Risk and opportunity log
for ongoing projects.
Handover documentation
for the internal lead.
Next steps
Unlike a hire, you can adjust the commitment over time and stop when the goals are reached. If you need a one-off engagement instead, see Innovation manager for SMEs or start from the digital assessment and roadmap. For how the cost of this role is usually calculated in Italy, read how much an innovation manager costs (in Italian).
Shall we talk for half an hour?
Tell me where you are so I understand what you need. If I can help, I send you a written quote.
How it went for a client
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your question? Write to me and I will answer.
How many days per month are needed?
It depends on the phase. The start of a major project may need a closer presence; later the role settles into progress meetings and control. We agree a monthly allowance of days together and review it every quarter. Part of the work is done remotely; I prefer to hold meetings with people on site, in Italy.
How is this different from a project-based engagement?
In a project-based engagement I deliver a defined result, such as a roadmap or a grant application. As a temporary innovation manager I take on a role inside your organisation: I attend management meetings, coordinate suppliers and internal staff, and answer for the innovation goals for the whole agreed period.
Is this useful for a new Italian subsidiary?
Yes. A new site in Italy often lacks a local lead for digital and innovation topics in its early months. I can fill that role, set up ICT governance and local suppliers, report to headquarters in English and prepare a local manager to take over at the end of the mandate.
Can public funding cover a temporary innovation manager?
Some Italian schemes fund innovation consultancy delivered by qualified managers, such as Chamber of Commerce vouchers or, in the past, the Ministry’s voucher for innovation consultancy. Rules change from scheme to scheme and usually require a company or local unit in Italy. We check which measures are open at the time of the analysis.
What happens at the end of the engagement?
I prepare the handover: documents, procedures, suppliers, indicators. The aim is to leave a person or a small team in the company who can carry on. If needed, I stay available with light support, for example a quarterly review with management or headquarters.
Book an introductory call
Tell me which project lies ahead and who looks after it today. The call helps me understand your request, check whether a temporary innovation manager is the right answer and prepare a written proposal.
Tell me about your company and what you want to achieve. The call is for me to understand your request: if I can help, I prepare a written quote. or fill in the formBook a 30-minute introductory call
Related services
- Innovation manager for SMEsAn experienced lead for your innovation decisions, without a full-time hire.
- Digital assessment and roadmapA picture of your digital maturity and a phased plan with priorities and costs.
- ISO 56001 innovation management systemProcesses, roles and metrics to innovate with method, again and again.