In a world drowning in ideas but starving for execution, strategic clarity is your only edge. The Opportunity Priority Score (OPS) Framework is a pragmatic, high-clarity decision model built for innovators, founders, and executives who need to cut through ambiguity and place bold, defensible bets.
Unlike generic scoring models or gut-feel brainstorming sessions, OPS delivers a single numeric score that reflects how compelling an innovation opportunity truly is — not just in theory, but in executional reality. Think of it as a decision filter for high-impact moves — whether you're inside a Fortune 100 innovation unit, leading a new venture studio, or allocating scarce resources in a scaling startup.
The Six Components of the OPS Framework
Each opportunity is evaluated across six core dimensions. Each is scored 1–10 and averaged (or weighted if necessary) to produce an overall Opportunity Priority Score.
1. Strategic Feasibility
“Can we realistically build and launch this?”
This isn't about dreams — it's about doability. The best idea in the world is worthless if you can’t execute. This criterion cuts through the hype and asks:
Do we have – or can we quickly acquire – the resources, capabilities, and speed to act?
You evaluate:
Existing competencies and gaps
Time-to-market realism
Internal political feasibility
Executional complexity
2. Economic Upside
“How big is the prize if we win?”
You’re not here to build cute features — you’re here to move markets. This dimension forces a brutally honest look at the true value potential:
If this works — how big could it really get?
You examine:
Market size (TAM/SAM/SOM)
Margins and lifetime value
Recurring revenue logic
Platform dynamics and multiplier effects
3. Strategic Desirability
“Is this opportunity a strategic fit — or a shiny distraction?”
A smart move isn’t just viable — it’s aligned. This factor forces internal coherence:
Is this a bet that reinforces our strategic posture, identity, and momentum?
You consider:
Brand relevance
Internal appetite and leadership ambition
Cross-functional support
Fit with long-term narrative
4. Defensibility & Moat Potential
“Can we protect this advantage — or will we be copied in six months?”
Great ideas without moats become free R&D for your competitors. OPS demands:
Can we build a fortress here — or just a tent?
You analyze:
IP, data, network effects
Switching costs and embeddedness
Regulatory or operational barriers
Supply chain control
5. Differentiation & Market Shock Value
“Does this break through — or blend in?”
Innovation isn't just building something useful — it's about building something talk-worthy. This lens assesses:
Will this grab attention, spark emotion, or reshape expectations?
You evaluate:
Boldness and novelty
PR or investor magnetism
Narrative strength
First-mover edge
6. Sustainability & Future-Proofing
“Will this still matter — or even survive — in a decade?”
True strategy is long-term positioning. This dimension tests the resilience of your bet:
Is this a 3-year play or a 10-year game?
You probe:
ESG alignment
Societal and regulatory tailwinds
Tech platform shifts
Systemic shock resistance
Optional but Powerful: Weighted Scoring
Not all criteria are equal — and OPS accounts for that. You can apply weightings to reflect your strategic priorities.
A recommended baseline weighting is:
Strategic Feasibility – 1×
Economic Upside – 2×
Strategic Desirability – 1×
Defensibility & Moat Potential – 1.5×
Differentiation & Market Shock Value – 1×
Sustainability & Future-Proofing – 1×
This puts economic potential and defensibility front and center — where they belong in most serious innovation contexts. But the model is flexible:
A public company CEO might weigh sustainability higher.
A deep-tech venture might weigh feasibility lower and moat-building higher.
A startup in survival mode might double down on feasibility and speed-to-revenue.
The point: make the model yours — but don’t pretend all dimensions are equal when they’re not.
Visual Output: Clarity at a Glance
The OPS score can be visualized using a radar chart or simple weighted table, creating instant comparability between opportunities. This is a gift to decision-makers: faster meetings, fewer debates, better bets.
Use Cases: OPS in Action
Venture Building: Prioritize concepts before building prototypes.
Corporate Innovation: Filter idea portfolios by ROI probability.
M&A Strategy: Score targets before wasting diligence cycles.
Board Reporting: Anchor conversations in structured logic, not opinion.
Why This Framework Matters
In innovation, most failures aren't due to bad ideas — they're due to bad prioritization. OPS cuts through politics, ego, and uncertainty. It forces you to think like a strategist, not just a creator.
It’s not enough to do things right — you must also do the right things.
Conclusion
The Opportunity Priority Score™ isn’t a magic trick — it’s a strategic weapon. In the age of infinite ideas and finite time, your success depends on what you don’t do just as much as what you pursue. Use OPS not just as a tool — but as a mindset: ruthless, focused, system-driven.
Anything less, and you’re just gambling.
Ready to stop guessing and start betting smart? Then put OPS to work — and build what actually matters.