The Crucible – Solve for X
November 2019
We’re way more successful with a big project when we can articulate why we’re doing what we’re doing at one phase and what will happen next, so that as you are successful in achieving the next technical milestone you can get buy-in for moving to the next step. Having that kind of a plan at a high level helps sets expectations for the partner. It demonstrates you know what you’re doing and that work is proceeding in the right direction.”
– Matt Ferguson, PhD, Xinova Innovator and VP of Network and Technology
We talk a lot about open innovation, but when we do, what are we really talking about? Let’s go back to the term’s origins. What’s important about the following quote is the word “purposive.” It’s perhaps the only place in science, technology, and innovation where selective bias of your inputs should be applied.
“Open innovation is the use of purposive inflows and outflows of knowledge to accelerate internal innovation, and expand the markets for external use of innovation, respectively. [This paradigm] assumes that firms can and should use external ideas as well as internal ideas, and internal and external paths to market, as they look to advance their technology.”
–Henry Chesbrough
Open Innovation: Researching a New Paradigm (2006)
Open Innovation: Researching a New Paradigm (2006)
Without purposive, it’s random. Open innovation requires a strategy, a plan, and access to something better than “the wisdom of the crowd.” We’d like to think that including you here is purposive with respect to our curated network of innovators. We open up below about the people and projects behind purposive knowledge flows, and how they can help align business strategy with technical solutions.
If you have something to say about accelerating technology projects with open innovation, please get in touch with Eliot Baker at ebaker@xinova.com to write or be interviewed for an article on OI. Never know, it might win an award, like the one Nick Milanovich is nominated for by Business Innovation Brief on expanding project menus for R&D.
If you have something to say about accelerating technology projects with open innovation, please get in touch with Eliot Baker at ebaker@xinova.com to write or be interviewed for an article on OI. Never know, it might win an award, like the one Nick Milanovich is nominated for by Business Innovation Brief on expanding project menus for R&D.
–Brad Roberts
Global Head of Network Platform
Featured Opportunities
Eco-Innovation Insights
We’re looking for an article that explores trends in eco-innovation and how leadership can tap into the surprising value of sustainable practices.
Better than Butter
Xinova is seeking a food scientist who is an expert in plant-derived fats. The Opportunity focuses on writing a short report on the current applications for food-grade formulations of these products.
Plant Plaits
Xinova is seeking a biology or food scientist who is up-to-date on the latest technologies for generating fibers from plant-based proteins. The Opportunity focuses on writing a short report on the latest technologies or approaches for generating fibers from plant-based proteins at either the nano- or micro-scale.
Xinova Updates
Innovation Diversity at face value
See the expert faces of innovation diversity and understand the value of diversity on innovation for R&D and social innovation.
Transitions, handoff and comms, oh my!
Meet the faces of innovation. From prototypers to professors to engineers and more, these are the people who are creating real change in the world. One invention at a time.
Featured Innovator
The Faces of Innovation
Meet the faces of innovation. From prototypers to professors to engineers and more, these are the people who are creating real change in the world. One invention at a time.
Xinova in the news
Xinova’s Nick Milanovich is nominated for Innovation Brief MVP Award
Xinova’s Director of Innovation Services Group, Nick Milanovich is nominated for the 2019 Business Innovation Brief MVP Awards for his article “Honey, they shrunk the R&D department. Now what?”