Keynote II - Harnessing the Global Brain: Models for Network-Centric Innovation

Mohanbir Sawhney

Abstract:

With the globalization of competition and declining productivity of internal R&D, firms are increasingly realizing that they need to look beyond their boundaries for innovative ideas, technologies and products. Spurred on by the successes of companies like P&G and IBM, firms are excited about the prospects of "open innovation" as a way to improve their innovative capacity. However, few firms have a clear understanding of the approach they should take to externally-focused innovation, and how they can overcome the barriers in tapping into the Global Brain -- the vast creative potential that lies outside their boundaries. In this talk, I present the concept of "network-centric innovation" -- tapping into the creative energy of external networks and communities to increase innovation reach, reduce time to market and improve innovation quality. I argue that "one size doesn't fit all" in network-centric innovation, and present four different models for network-centric innovation that differ on the nature of the innovation space and the nature of the network leadership. I discuss how network-centric innovation is becoming global in its scope, with the rise of India and China as "innovation hubs". Finally, I offer guidelines for preparing the organization to accept and to implement a network-centric innovation strategy. The talk draws upon four years of research on innovation at the Kellogg School of Management in collaboration with leading corporations worldwide.

Bio:

Founded by McCormick Tribune Professor of Technology Mohanbir Sawhney in June 2001, the Center for Research in Technology & Innovation (CRTI) at the Kellogg School of Management plays a pivotal role in understanding, solving and forecasting challenges facing innovation managers today and in coming years. sawhney
Specifically, the center studies technology�s role in improving business performance, promoting organizational effectiveness, driving innovation and creating competitive advantage. Top faculty members address management challenges using a breadth of professional and academic expertise � including skill in marketing, invention, engineering, strategy and law � offering a synthesis of these perspectives in their research and teaching.

The center leads the Kellogg Technology Industry Management Program, one of the school�s core courses of study for full- and part-time MBA students. The teachings of CRTI faculty members have global impact via the Kellogg School�s executive MBA partner programs in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Through its custom and open-enrollment professional development programs, the center attracts companies such as Microsoft, Sony, DuPont and Nissan who turn to the Kellogg School for management education tailored to their needs.

The center and its faculty are engaged in collaborative research with Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Mitsubishi Corporation, Motorola, NCR Teradata, Sony and other industry leaders.