IRI Workshop: Making Open Innovation Work

Anyone who is involved in any way with Innovation has heard the term Open Innovation (OI). The Innovation Research Institute (IRI) has created an in-depth workshop entitled Making Open Innovation Work for individuals who want to learn more about OI. The workshop is intended for organizations that are looking to supplement their internal activities with an Open Innovation program that involves interacting with other companies, with universities, with federal laboratories, and with open innovation intermediaries. The workshop teaches how to use a Want-Find-Assess-Get-Manage approach to implementing an efficient and effective Open Innovation program within your company.

Attendees will learn about best practices for each step, including:

• Creation of an external technology needs list
• Technology scouting
• Assessment of external technologies
• Establishment & management of technology partnerships

Attendees will become familiar with useful tools as they relate to Open Innovation/External Technology – including Blueprinting, Design for Six Sigma, the Alliance Framework and others. They will learn about the value of consortia, centers and institutes in an External Technology program, and they will discover useful resources for the creation and execution of an effective External Technology program, including the IRI’s External Technology Network and various Open Innovation intermediaries. The course will feature practical illustrations based on the real-world experiences of the instructor during the past 35 years.

Workshop Outline:

1. Understanding Open Innovation (OI):
   • Define Open Innovation and its significance in the context of modern business practices.
   • Identify the key components and principles of Open Innovation.
2. Exploring Open Innovation Ecosystems:
   • Analyze and categorize the various entities involved in an Open Innovation ecosystem (e.g., companies, universities, federal laboratories, intermediaries).
   • Evaluate the benefits and challenges of collaborating with different entities within an Open Innovation framework.
3. Implementing Want-Find-Assess-Get-Manage Approach:
4. Developing Effective Open Innovation Strategies:
   • Formulate strategies for integrating Open Innovation practices into existing organizational structures and processes.
   • Construct tailored approaches for interacting with external entities to maximize the potential for successful collaborations.
5. Creating a Culture of Open Innovation:
   • Cultivate a mindset and culture that fosters openness, collaboration, and creativity within the organization.
   • Implement strategies to overcome potential internal barriers to Open Innovation adoption.
6. Practical Application and Case Studies:
   • Apply theoretical knowledge by examining case studies of successful Open Innovation implementations.
   • Engage in practical exercises and simulations to reinforce learning outcomes and problem-solving skills related to Open Innovation.

The first module covers some “big picture” considerations — the motivation for starting an Open Innovation/External Technology program, developing a strategy for external technology, the optimum structure for an external technology effort, staffing considerations, budget considerations and legal considerations.

The bulk of the course covers the Want-Find-Assess-Get-Manage approach for managing an Open Innovation/External Technology program. There is a separate learning module for each of the five steps in the process.

The session will include instant polls and short break-out sessions that facilitate sharing and networking among the participants.

Who should attend: This course is intended for people in organizations that are looking to supplement their internal R&D activities with an effective Open Innovation/External Technology program that involves interacting with other companies, with universities, with federal laboratories, and with open innovation intermediaries.

In its entirety, the workshop is geared towards various individuals who are responsible for Open Innovation and External Technology within their organization. The Want and Find modules can help technology scouts become more effective in their jobs. The Assess, Get and Manage modules can help R&D managers with external technology assessment, intellectual property considerations, and effective project management involving external partners. The workshop concludes with a discussion of metrics for an Open Innovation/External Technology program and examples of success stories.

Here are some roles that would benefit from this course:

• Chief Innovation Officers
• Chief Technology Officers
• Open Innovation Managers
• External Technology Leaders
• Technology Scouts
• Technology Assessment Managers
• Technology Transfer Managers
• Directors of Corporate Partnerships

Registration Fees:

IRI Members: $295
Non Members: $395 

Due to limited seating, we request that you cancel at least 48 hours before a scheduled class. This gives us the opportunity to fill the class. However, if you do not cancel prior to the 48 hours, you will lose the payment for the class.

All IRI events are broadcast in Eastern Standard Time