Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Third, breakthrough innovations depend on “building” communities. Of course,
the substance of the innovation has to be there. But the ideas that go on to
become breakthrough innovations rely on fundamentally rearranging estab-
lished networks of suppliers, buyers, and complementers (people whose skills
and abilities “complement” each other to create a synergistic system) into new
networks and ecosystems [alliances]. Otherwise, hoped for innovations never
develop. The initial innovation is the starting line of the race, not the fi nish.
Innovation is as much social as it is technical. Resistance must be met, and alli-
ances forged, because people often cannot understand innovations, or cannot see
how they would benefi t if the innovations were adopted.
Accomplishing the tasks associated with these three issues is no job for the
mundane manager or outsourced technician.
2.6.3
Qualities of Champions
Here are some of the qualities that are found in great champions:
• Passionate visionary who believes there is an innovative or better way
• Seeker and supporter of new ideas, no matter where they come from
• Builder of networks of teams with strong collaborative skills, ethics, and
values
• Preserver of trust with unyielding integrity and ethics
• Articulate advocate willing to challenge established thinking
• Persistent networker linking together other supporters and advocates
• Action - oriented mover and shaker intolerant of bureaucratic barriers
• Crusader who will defend an idea or ideal against attack
• Win - win negotiator who sees opportunity in most problem
• Energizer willing to be accountable for reaching powerful objectives
2.7
AVOIDING THE TRAPS
Creating a great collaboration in science does require both discipline and good
judgment. Here are a few other key topics that will contribute to supporting
and sustaining synergies within the research and development team:
Vision and Value Proposition
All members of the initial team should
outline a shared vision that will help align their work and the value they
believe this will contribute.
Roles and Responsibilities
Clarity of knowing who will do what is essential
to utilize people's strengths in the most complementary way. It also pre-
vents territoriality from interfering with real work.
Use of Research Data
There should be no ambiguity about: How will data
be shared? Who owns the output? What publication is expected? What
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