Great post by Satish Nambisan on network-centric innovation, essentially looking outside for innovative ideas and partnering with external innovation networks. There are examples of such efforts in the life sciences, some of which have been covered on bbgm before, but they are the exception rather than the norm. However, it’s becoming apparent to me, and to other observers I am sure, that the tide is changing. One of these days I have to write my thesis on the future of the pharma industry, but for now, lets talk about the trend away from the two models that are common, the “not invented here” and the “lets buy it” model.
Yes, the business of making drugs is getting distributed, taking advantage of the network. Slowly but surely that is going to become reality. But before just jumping into this as many companies are wont to do, just because it’s what everyone is doing, Nambisan has some cautionary words
A company has to develop a deep understanding of the various external innovation networks that exist and relate them to its own unique market and organizational context. Only with such an understanding can it position itself appropriately in the landscape of network-centric innovation.
I wonder how many companies are aware of these networks. On the flip side, I wonder how many potential nodes in this network are aware that they are or could be part of it?
Further reading:
Integrating ideas and knowledge
iBridge Networks
Open source as an innovation model
Technorati Tags: Business, Innovation
3 Comments
Looks interesting, but for me it is strange that he is talking about a networking effect and his blog contains just the promotion articles about the book?
Looks interesting, but for me it is strange that he is talking about a networking effect and his blog contains just the promotion articles about the book?
Network-centric innovation is what you call change