
It’s similar to playing soccer: Only boundaries and rules turn a patch of grass into an exciting pitch full of potential. For DVS ACT, we have created a simple but very clear structure, defined roles, and established rules.
DVS ACT consists of so-called clusters – these are overarching topics that we want to be involved in. Within the clusters are any number of PODs, which are initiated by individuals of the DVS TECHNOLOGY GROUP. PODs are small working groups that work on an idea over a defined period of time. So the clusters are the organs and the PODs the cells of our living innovation organism.

Our clusters and their owners








If think of DVS ACT as our joint innovation organism, then the clusters are the organs that carry out various tasks – in our case these are subject matters. Currently, we have eight different clusters, each with a cluster owner. The cluster owner is the contact person and coach for anyone who wants to participate on a topic in a specific POD. If we find further important subject areas that are also important to us, we will form additional clusters. Conversely, if we determine that a topic is (no longer) relevant to us, the cluster will be closed. That means the cluster structure is a living organism – just like DVS ACT itself.
“POD” stands for “popular organization” and has to do with “New Work.” For us, these are as small, autonomous units (2 to maximum 10 people), who come together for a pre-determined period of time in order to work on a specific problem with a defined goal and budget. PODs always work across groups, functions, and hierarchies and organize themselves individually. A POD is created when someone from our organization submits their idea as a POD Request to the respective cluster owner. The scope and start time of the POD is then decided together.
In principle, all employees of the DVS TECHNOLOGY GROUP can submit ideas for a POD. We have a separate online form for this where the idea can be briefly described – the POD Request. The respective cluster owner then discusses the idea with the submitter, offers tips on possible synergies that may benefit the POD, or they may determine that the topic is already being worked on elsewhere. If everything looks good, the objective, team, time window, and budget are precisely defined and the POD is started. Ideas that don't fit into an existing cluster are first submitted to our chairman, Mario Preis.