BBVA invites its employees to think outside the box
Innovation is the driver of transformation at BBVA. In order to continue bringing our culture of innovation to all corners of the Group, the bank has created ‘_ableChallenge’, a specific program with which it invites its technology teams to develop innovative new products and services to solve real problems at the bank. The goal is to provide the tools, time and space to encourage them to think ‘outside the box’. “Innovation is a skill that can be trained. In the Engineering area, we seek to inspire and motivate our talent so they can discover and develop this potential,” said José Luis Elechiguerra, Global Head of Engineering at BBVA.
‘_ableChallenge’ is the first program developed by BBVA Global Innovation. In the format of a competition, it invites engineers, developers and anyone with a technological background in the Group to come up with creative solutions to address the problems or improvements BBVA needs.
The aim is to encourage a culture of innovation equipped with strategy, inspiring leadership and resources. Area heads commit to freeing up space and time for their teams in order to promote creativity and the generation of new ideas, while also supporting the personal development of each participant.
“We know that innovating is not easy, but we are convinced that innovation is part of our culture, our people, learning and change. Therefore, we would like to create the right environment to allow our talent to freely express themselves, and see their efforts properly compensated,” explained José Luis Elechiguerra , Global Head of Engineering at BBVA.
The challenges will be technological in nature, focusing on fields like artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fraud, green tech, software development, blockchain and decentralized finance.
In the ‘_ableChallenge’, teams will have time dedicated exclusively to innovation during their work day; time set aside to look for real solutions and offer a fresh perspective on what is already known.
Furthermore, the program aims to encourage interaction with sources of knowledge and experiences. To this end, the program has included a variety of different resources in the innovation process, which will help teams to take their prototypes to the next level, including:
- ‘Networking’ and the network of global experts in emerging technologies from leading companies who help the teams each step of the way in the innovation process.
- Training and advice on ‘storytelling’ to present their projects in an influential and impactful way.
- First-rate tools, advice and technical support from leading technology companies collaborating with BBVA.
- User experience support, training in the creative process, as well as facilitation sessions to polish the proposals.
Employees from all countries in the BBVA Engineering Area - over 20,000 people - can submit their team’s application for this competition. Registration just opened and the competition will end in October, with a winner from each region, as well as a global winner.
Innovation is part of BBVA’s DNA, especially in the Engineering teams, which are constantly facing new challenges that require them to think of solutions that have never been used before. Although some say that innovation is intrinsic to human nature, BBVA wants to ensure that it gives its teams the resources, technologies and time needed to strengthen and promote a true culture of innovation.