Innovation Cells. Methodology for the
management of open innovation
projects.
JMª Monguet (UPC) y M Ferruzca (UAM). 2012
Real environment of innovation
The model of Innovation Cells is based in a very simple equation in concept,
although complex in its implementation.
Innovation Cell = Capital [Human + Intellectual + Social] =
= Creation of prototype + Validation of Business Model
The Innovation cells1 challenge is then the simultaneous production in all
dimensions of capital: human (learning), intellectual (value) and social
(relationship), and it is based in:
The development of a prototypes of services/products in a real
environment of innovation, completed with the definition of the
business model and its trial in the market.
The multidisciplinary teams of innovation cells applies Living Lab
methodology, involving private companies, research centres, public
administration and citizens, in a kind of co-creating context.
These two aspects of the Innovation cells model connect with two basic
principles:
-
All participants are learning by doing in a real environment.
-
Working in an open innovation environment while the partners agree
to share the inputs and outcomes.
1. Monguet, J.M., Ferruzca, M., Fernández, J., Agulà, J. Innovation Cells Supporting Living Labs
Practices: A Case Example. First European Summer School of Living Labs, France (2010). | Doc
Innovation cell model
General Framework of an Innovation Cell
The people and agents participants in the Innovation cell:
People
All participants
Technical creative
team
They are the core and engine of the cell, and ideally is a group
of different professional profiles.
Experts and
collaborators
People from companies, R&D centres and public
administration, whose mission is to assist and advise the
technical – creative team.
Users
People involved in the ongoing evaluation of the prototype,
participating with varying degrees in the prescription or the
adoption of the prototype.
Agents
Although the functions are overlapping, the various agents
have basically the following responsibilities.
Company
Establish the business goals of the prototype.
Provide means for the actual development of the prototype.
Research centres
Providing knowledge for the development of the prototype and
methodologies for testing.
2
Public
administration
Connecting with users.
University
Management of the learning process.
Institutional Support.
Co-creation in innovative network
The Living Lab methodology proposes an approach to innovation based in cocreation, giving a key role to citizens-users, who are involved in real time in
the development of the products and services, allowing in part that the
demand for market innovation flows to companies and to R&d centres. The
innovation unit thus represents a neutral space, with defined rules, to
provide the sum of the contributions of the various actors and people involved
in innovation.
Within each cell of innovation the design of the prototype must be discussed
and tested, so an efficient innovation unit requires:
-
Share a conceptual framework.
-
Availability of ICT tools and methodologies for suitable job.
A cell of innovation can be considered a basic unit of innovation, which in
the context of a Living Lab is able to address in depth the innovation process
at the micro level.
The simile of a cell holds up quite well
the concept because a Cell Innovation
is a unit that operates according to
principles, transforms and grows into a
business unit. One innovation cells can
connect with others, forming innovation
networks to share or to grow. The
connection between innovation cells
can spread and share experiences,
knowledge, tools and best practices.
Cycle undertake – learning
The activity of the innovation unit can be seen as a process in which to
undertake and to learn revolve in a permanent cycle. Thus, the creation of
intellectual assets runs parallel to the growth and personal development of the
participants. Moreover, learning one from each other is crucial for the
innovation process.
3
The members of technical – creative team are the core of the cell, and the
entire strategy focuses on the goal of making them lead the innovative
process.
The multidisciplinary context, the work style and the challenge of the results
to be achieved, pushes the participant to learn how to move in a context of
open innovation in which to make contributions is as important as sharing and
understanding the contributions of others. Gradually and without losing the
overall view, knowledge is conveyed and the experience of participating in
such a context is increasingly rewarding.
Prototype development
The process of development of the prototype is established in 9 deliverables
divided in 3 phases.
Deliverables
Content
Concept
1
Agreement 1.
Opportunity
First description of the problem-opportunity that
the prototype must address.
The document "Opportunity" is developed from an
initial proposal and is updated on an ongoing basis
over the first months of work.
2
Development 1.
State of the art
Information sources and references.
Factors, data and cases to consider.
Visiting experts, companies, etc..
3
Test 1.
Market research
Information about the potential market and
competition.
Review with experts who are able value the
relevance of the opportunity.
Proposal
4
Agreement 2.
Design Proposal
Solution design with the description of
components and systems.
List and information about providers.
Definition of Test to be done
5
Development 2.
Business Plan
Value proposal.
Marketing plan.
Operations plan.
Finances.
4
Sales plan
6
Test 2.
Market trials
Development of a "demonstrator '.
Review with users.
Contacts with potential clients.
Development
7
Agreement 3.
Legal memory
Ownership and rights.
Customer contracts.
User contracts.
8
Development 3.
Operations
Beta test plan.
Trade and Technical Proceedings of the Prototype.
9
Test 3.
Commercial actions
Beta test.
Sales meetings and presentations.
Sales negotiations.
Concept
Proposal
Development
Opportunity
State of Art
Market Research
Design proposal
Business Model & Plan
Market Trials
Legal memory. Intellectual Property
Operations
Prototype
Commercial actions. Selling
5