As the new year begins, organizations are looking to up the ante. Fresh slates and new ideas abound after employees relaxed over the holidays. As such, Harvard Business Review’s recent article, How to Create an Innovation Ecosystem, is timely. Though geared toward for-profit businesses, a majority of its suggestions are ideas found in many international economic development programs.

In international development, consultants bring together stakeholders to spur action. When this happens, you are likely to (a) get a better understanding of who’s responsible for what, (b) allow people to network with others who they may have never known existed, and (c) develop solutions to problems that are plaguing the community.

The idea of the coral reef innovation ecosystem is similar. Though they use a technology incubator as an example, the three main takeaways are applicable to any type of organization.

Develop a well-connected network. The article suggests involving different types of employees when shaping new ideas, including government departments, researchers, educators, investors, business leaders, and technical experts. If there’s a company you admire (that isn’t a direct competitor) who has a great system in place, reach out for advice. I’m sure they would be flattered to help you structure a network or at least speak to employees and provide a little motivation. One practical recommendation to create a better, more connected network is to provide a company directory or create a specific portal where employees can come together and exchange ideas on topics that interest them or are within their field of expertise. This could be a social media site, such as Facebook or LinkedIn or another site such as Yammer or Moxie Software.

Create structure. Though the web and virtual connections are good, in-person meetings help tie ends together better by creating trust and bonds between people that then encourages feedback and better collaboration.

Educate everyone.  Don’t make innovation sound like an elitist term. Anyone should have the chance to contribute. Don’t try to weed people out; innovation is hard, they will weed themselves out. With the right network, advice and expertise employees can shape ideas and give them life.

What do you think? Is this an effective way to create a system of innovation within your organization?

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