Businesses must innovate to survive and require internal mechanisms for the efficient conversion of data into the meaningful information and knowledge needed for competitive edge. A bifocal approach can help, an ability to see both the long-range and competitive landscape while being conversant with the fine details needed to conceive and deliver a breakthrough product. Imagery and mapping play important roles, helping distil complex systems into the rudiments necessary to engage team members and sponsors. Strategies for managing information flow within cross-functional teams also involve a duality, the movement between phases of free-wheeling idea generation to the focussed intent and the commitment needed to deliver a novel, useful and robust system. Rapid change is now the norm but can go unrecognised with fatal consequences unless embedded in the mindset of the innovative business. The experiences and lessons drawn from a corporate research perspective are generally applicable to smaller businesses but the special challenges faced by start-ups are addressed. This article makes the case that the management of information is not just a numbers game but a very human endeavour.