THE ROLE OF COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP IN DRIVING INNOVATION

In fiction and on film, innovation is often portrayed as the product of a single mind. We see the tortured genius, mad scientist or inventor spending a lifetime on an incredible new machine. While it makes a good story, it’s not the best way to get results. Rather than thinking that innovation is something we do in isolation, we should embrace the idea that it’s driven when people get together.

When we face a challenge, if we’re in isolation, we only have our own experience to guide us. And no matter how smart you are, there will be times when that experience isn’t helping us solve the problem at hand. How many times have you been struggling with an issue, and someone comes along and solves it in moments? How often have you performed that trick for someone else?

At elumatec’s Infocenter, where we regularly bring together diverse groups of customers, we often see long-term problems solved in minutes. A different viewpoint, a different industry or a different skillset may provide the insight that makes the answer clear.

Partnership and collaboration as a strategic approach

We don’t need to wait for organised events to benefit from others’ experience or expertise. I believe we should be seeing partnerships or collaborative ventures as a key part of our business strategy, actively seeking create them. Knowledge is all around us and people are ready to share.

Many businesses are already benefitting from working with those in academia, bringing the very latest ideas, research and technology directly into their strategic to is are very and technology their operations. Now, perhaps more than ever before, technology is crucial for a business which wants to maintain or improve its market share. There’s a sense that new ideas must hit the market, fully tested, ready to be rolled out, rapidly and at scale. How much easier is that when you have the broader skillset and resources of a collaborative partnership?

Better together

But what makes the right partner? Should it be an organisation like yours? That’s a tricky question to answer. It’s true that some things naturally seem to fit together, especially when they are similar organisations operating in the same market. But think about this: bacon and eggs or fish and chips are classic partnerships. That’s not because their constituent parts are alike. It’s because they are different but complementary. They’re good separately, but they both step up a level and become irresistible when they’re put together. Apologies if your stomach’s rumbling. Let’s go back to problem-solving in industry.

Believe in people

When one mind isn’t good enough we need to tap into multiple sources of ideas and inspiration. And here we should be careful that we don’t wear blinkers. Often the best ideas come from unexpected sources. A group of managers could sit in endless meetings trying to come up with the next big product idea. Meanwhile, your receptionist looks at your building’s entrance and wonders who built that structure above the door … Multiple sources don’t just provide different ideas, but also different opinions, backgrounds, skillsets and experiences. Think inclusive. It’s easy for male-dominated teams to forget the needs of 50% of the world’s consumers. It’s hard for the tech-savvy to comprehend the struggles of those who aren’t. Believe in people and remove barriers. Capitalise on the know-how from different sectors and enjoy the benefits of crossfertilisation.

You can’t lose when you create the win-win

A collaborative approach doesn’t guarantee you’ll launch a world-leading innovation, but you’ll likely see motivation and energy levels boosted. You’ll have extra accountability and momentum in project delivery. You’ll resolve issues. You’ll make friends.

In Stephen R Covey’s classic book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you’re advised to create “win-win” situations. That’s what a real partnership offers, so be prepared for give and take. Share your knowledge, your experience and your resources. With the right partner, you’ll get as much back in return. You’ll be stronger and, importantly for any business, you will share responsibility and ownership, and you’ll spread the risk inherent in any new venture.

At elumatec, we know the value of real partnerships. We know that however good an organisation is in isolation, it’s better when it is both supported by and offers support to others. We aim to build partnerships with all our customers. The technologies we supply have been honed in response to our customers’ feedback and needs. Our partners have shared insights which have inspired our team and driven innovation.

Innovation is rarely the product of an isolated mind, but it’s often found in a collaborative approach.