Are countries with a three-year political cycle under-achievers in innovation, compared with countries that have a longer political cycle? This was one of many potential new research topics put forward at an industry workshop hosted by Curtin Business School.<\/p>\n
Held in Perth in April, the \u2018Innovation Workshop\u2019 was facilitated by Dean of Research and Development Professor Fran Ackermann and delivered in collaboration with DuPont Sustainable Solutions, represented by the company\u2019s regional leader, Michele Villa.<\/p>\n
According to Ackermann, research suggests that \u201cAustralia lacks the culture of innovation you find in countries such as Norway and Singapore\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to break the entrenched models, and view innovation projects as business as usual rather than as an exception.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut to motivate a cultural shift we need to better understand innovation, by addressing research gaps in the area,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
Villa adds, \u201cWe have an opportunity to understand what makes a country successful in activating and developing innovation: what are the key attributes to attract innovators? What are the conditions a government can put in place to create a fertile ground for innovation?\u201d<\/p>\n
To help pinpoint the issues, workshop attendees explored the concept of \u2018innovation\u2019 from the perspectives of the industries represented \u00ad\u2013 which included renewable energy, government agency, infrastructure, consultancy, construction, oil & gas, power, finance and health.<\/p>\n
They then identified new research topics that could inform industry strategies for building a culture of innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIntrapreneurship is an important focus \u2013 how staff that are operating within the confines of an organisation can overcome barriers to creativity and risk-taking,\u201d says Ackermann.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are practices that could stifle creativity, such as KPIs and other performance measurements. However, failure is a normal part of innovation \u2013 it should be accepted as part of the process rather than lamented as a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n
The workshop also highlighted the need for research that identifies the factors that promote an innovation mindset.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis might include initiatives such as the provision of creative and \u2018playful\u2019 workspaces,\u201d Ackermann suggests.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen there\u2019s the question of innovation leadership. What is the correlation between personality types and innovation? and at which hierarchical levels does an organisation need an innovation champion?\u201d<\/p>\n
Importantly, the innovation workshop has generated momentum for a new Western Australian innovation network; however, workshop participants noted that bigger bridges between academia and industry are required.<\/p>\n
\u201cAustralia actually ranks very poorly in terms of embedding research into industry practice. It\u2019s clear that universities need to implement business models and initiatives that support networks for innovation,\u201d explains Ackermann.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, should we design more project-based PhDs? should research staff be encouraged into short-term industry projects? And perhaps there are better ways to resolve IP issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Innovation Workshop topics will inform CBS\u2019s research strategy, and new projects are expected to contend for the DuPont Curtin Business School Innovation Award.<\/p>\n
\u201cA strong collaboration and partnership between academia and industry, based on common goals, is a powerful engine for innovation \u2013 as our collaboration with Curtin demonstrates,\u201d says Villa.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe see an optimal synergy when a solution provider in the field of risk management, safety and operational excellence, such as DuPont Sustainable Solutions, partners with an education and research provider like CBS.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis generates value for other organisations, through innovative products and services. In doing so, we enable the process and remove potential barriers.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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