20.500.12556/DKUM-95700 From zero to one: a new perspective on the fuzzy front end of innovation and the Stage-Gate® model The Stage-Gate® model has historically provided a systematic framework for New Product Development (NPD). However, the evolving landscape of innovation necessitates continuous enhancement. This paper redefines the model's foundational structure by advocating for the recognition of the Discovery Phase as Stage 1, emphasizing its essential role in aligning initial ideation with strategic goals, streamlining processes, and enhancing NPD efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a systematic literature review, synthesis of illustrative examples and secondary data and case study analysis, the research demonstrates that formalizing the Discovery Phase improves earlystage decision-making, enhances alignment between front-end exploration and downstream execution and mitigates risks by supporting more informed project development. Synthesised sectoral examples show that incorporating the Discovery Phase improves feasibility, reduces risk, and boosts efficiency. For example, simulation planning early in innovation process increased manufacturing throughput by 52 %, while early IP checks lowered infringement risk. The proposed revision boosts the Stage-Gate® model's adaptability and integration with modern methodologies such as AI, Agile, Lean Startup, Design Thinking and TRIZ. The findings highlight how this change promotes a comprehensive approach to NPD. The implications extend to practical applications and future research, offering organizations a flexible framework that meets modern market and technological demands. Stage-Gate® model fuzzy front end of innovation (FFEI) new product development (NPD) innovation management discovery phase agile TRIZ design thinking large language model (LLM) sustainability mehki sprednji del inovacij razvoj novih izdelkov upravljanje inovacij faza odkrivanja oblikovalsko razmišljanje model velikega jezika trajnost true false true Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik Znanstveno delo 2025-10-13 10:17:26 2025-10-13 10:17:26 2025-10-14 03:17:26 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2025 0 0 str. 131-149 no. 1 Vol. 20 March 2025 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 2024-11-15 2025-03-15 2025-03-01 658.5 246247683 10.14743/apem2025.1.532 1854-6250 RAZ_Alesnik_Peter_2025.pdf RAZ_Alesnik_Peter_2025.pdf 1 F585C1E2A1850DC7DF0DE071ED56E042 362bc3771d473a27cbdcd6619be71d7f0d165a98e0f20adb284385a87970170f 0f92002f-a80d-11f0-9756-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=199807 Ekonomsko-poslovna fakulteta 0 0 0