BSG to show that together we’re stronger
Business Strategy Group: Boosting R&D productivity by structured networking
Belgrave Square, London, 21 March 2006
 The sharing of information through networks is becoming increasingly important in the development of innovative products and processes. It is accepted that in today’s technological environment, no one organisation can bring together all the necessary expertise and knowledge needed to conceive, develop and realise innovations.
‘Structured networks’ are becoming an established tool in enabling the exchange of high-value information across functional and organisational boundaries (see box below).
The key challenges facing innovation and knowledge transfer today will be addressed by an interactive workshop to be run by SCI’s Business Strategy Group on 21 March. The Boosting R&D productivity by structured networking meeting will focus on:
- how to access knowledge and technology from outside the organisation;
- how to unlock the potential contribution of networks to research and business success;
- how to catalyse the partnerships needed to transform opportunities into practical innovations; and
- how to make internal networks, including ‘communities of practice’, valuable.
| Please let us know your views on how to boost R&D productivity. Our online survey asks 10 questions, taking five minutes to answer, and invites you to put your own question to the workshop. |
Using networks
Organisations need to harness external knowledge and technology to maximise their research and development productivity. The strengths of ‘distributed innovation’ models are already becoming clear from recent successes, for example in electronics. These models are just as relevant to the bioscience and chemical industries.
However, many organisations lack the necessary structures and tools to make networks work effectively, and many of us lack the necessary networking capabilities. This workshop is designed to highlight these challenges and collectively develop solutions.
Innovative format
The programme will blend presentations, group discussion and individual work. It will be aided by the use of mini-laptops (provided) to enter written contributions which can then be viewed and commented on, or built on, by others. This innovative structure will maximise knowledge capture and the sharing of best practice. The event promises to be a stimulating networking experience, not simply a typical exchange of information.
Benefits
Participants will learn how to use tools to catalyse the partnerships needed for success:
- activating collaborations;
- managing supply chain/business management interfaces; and
- delivering technology transfer within and between companies, academia and the public sector
Delegates will each develop and take away an action plan directly relevant to their own needs.
This Workshop will equip those working in innovation, technology and knowledge transfer in diverse technical fields with critical capabilities. It will be of particular value to those specifically working as technology brokers, or within licensing agencies or centres of technical excellence.
For further information visit Boosting R&D productivity by structured networking or contact
Events Manager, T: +44 (0)20 7598 1562, F: +44 (0)20 7235 7743, E: events[ at]soci.org
Networking and networks
‘Networking’ is ‘the human process which creates and maintains relationships based on trust, shared interests and common objectives’. Networking creates and maintains ‘networks’. Critical applications of networks for sectors and organisations include:
- innovation – bringing diverse groups together to develop innovative product concepts;
- business strategies – shaping or managing business transformation programmes, or campaigns for strategic influencing;
- clusters – developing a common agenda from diverse organisational interests, priorities and values; and
- external stakeholders – ensuring productive dialogue with customers, suppliers, business partners, regulators or policy-makers.
Critical applications of networks for groups and individuals include:
- team performance – improving effectiveness across media/formats, linking disparate parts of complex organisations, cutting across ‘silos’;
- personal effectiveness – helping individuals to understand how best to get things done and with whom; and
- career development: enabling individuals to extend their skills base and horizons.
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David Rodham
BSG
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