Discover how Capgemini is helping National Grid make a giant leap for Data with Priscilla Li, Head of Customer Data & Technology at frog, part of Capgemini Invent

Capgemini is working with National Grid to harness the value of its data through collaboration across the organisation and by applying new technologies.

Capgemini innovates with a human-centred design approach, in crafting a vision that resonates with National Grid. And also a capability that empowers innovators to pioneer new ideas, experiment with novel technologies and accelerate value. Underpinning this vision was an innovation framework and operating model supported by the right tools, ways of working and technologies that worked for National Grid.

Delivering success with DataConnect

National Grid’s Innovation Lab delivers innovation globally through collaboration with DataConnect. With fireside chats, and internal marketing, Capgemini empowered teams from across the organisation to get involved and be innovators – resulting in over a hundred new ideas in just a few months. Working with National Grid’s ecosystem of partners, Capgemini delivered over 12 projects in less than six months with clear business value. These ranged from creating digital twins of substations, simulating cyber- attack paths, using Generative AI to smartly summarise key documents and helping people understand their own unused ‘dark data’.

Promoting progress with the Innovation Lab

The Innovation Lab is a ground-breaking innovation capability that is transforming National Grid’s ability to test and learn and accelerate a greener inclusive future for us all. Capgemini was integral to its success in multiple ways, including:

  • Establishing a shared vision and mission, aligning key senior stakeholders across
    the organisation
  • Creating the Operating model and Playbook of new ways of working, such as how to apply design thinking and innovation techniques and upskilling teams
  • Introducing a ‘Gameboard’ with clear metrics for prioritisation and qualification of new ideas
  • Pipeline and Portfolio Management, including impact measurement to enable tracking of 100+ ideas across a balanced portfolio
  • An internal DataConnect website allowing anyone at Grid to tap into the Innovation story, how it was delivered, the benefits and
    to submit their own new idea
  • A DataConnect Platform, a technology infrastructure that enables safe, rapid experimentation, including managing the use of key datasets
  • Support the next evolution and business case for the Innovation Lab


“Capgemini were key to helping us set up the framework and the operating model for the Innovation Lab. They’re currently supporting us in developing out our own internal research environment so that we then have a capability to de- ploy use cases internally as well as working with our partners. They’re instrumental in building our core capabilities and evolving our approach to innovation.”

Andrew Burns, Global Head of Data Strategy, National Grid

Click here to read more about National Grid’s Innovation story

  • Data & AI
  • Digital Strategy
  • People & Culture

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