CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Almost nine out of 10 U.S. business leaders (87%) think that a superior level of execution provides the bandwidth to focus on innovation, according to the Grant Thornton LLP Survey of U.S. Business Leaders, 14th Edition.

"Great execution is the platform for great innovation," said Mike McGuire, Managing Partner of the Grant Thornton Carolinas Practice.  "Management's challenge is to achieve a balance between execution and innovation, both of which require different skill sets and competencies."

Business leaders acknowledge that they must face special challenges when juggling innovation and execution. Four out of 10 business leaders note these challenges: balancing innovation and execution resource allocation (41%); inspiring innovation without compromising on the routine and rigor of execution (40%) and building organizational capabilities accordingly (40%).

To address the "balance" challenge, business leaders say they are:

· developing separate execution and innovation teams for new product development,
· designating employees with the right skill sets to address technology and internal processes,
· and experimenting with executive positions where the individual is free to “roam” on either side of the execution/innovation equation.

About the Survey of U.S. Business Leaders, 14th Edition
Issues explored by the Grant Thornton Survey of U.S. Business Leaders were identified by the Grant Thornton Business Leaders Councils. The councils consist of business leaders and executives nationwide who meet twice a year to discuss economic, business and competitive issues that affect the growth and profitability of U.S. companies.

After identifying issues affecting the marketplace, Grant Thornton commissioned independent marketing research firm, Harris Interactive, to conduct telephone interviews with 302 senior executives at companies with annual revenues between $50 million and $2 billion. The interviews were conducted between Nov. 5 and Dec. 20, 2006.

About Grant Thornton LLP
Grant Thornton LLP is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International, one of the leading global accounting, tax and business advisory organizations. Through member firms in more than 110 countries, including 50 offices in the United States, the partners and employees of Grant Thornton member firms provide personalized attention and the highest quality service to public and private clients around the globe. www.GrantThornton.com