The global brain : your roadmap for innovating faster and smarter in a networked world

All the talk about "open innovation" and externally-focused innovation assumes that "one size fits all" in terms of what network-centric innovation is and how companies should harness external creativity. But the reality is that there is no one right way to master this tool. For instance, loosely governed community-based innovation projects are a very different animal from tightly-orchestrated development projects driven by a large firm. As the landscape of network-centric innovation becomes more diverse and more confusing, there is a desperate need to structure the landscape to better understand different models for network-centric innovation. This book brings clarity to the confusion. Further, it argues that managers cannot rely on anecdotal success stories they read about in the press to implement a network-centric innovation strategy. They need rigorous and analytical advice on what role their company should play in an innovation network, what capabilities they need to create, and how they need to prepare their organization for this significant shift in the innovation approach. This book offers a practical and detailed roadmap for planning and implementing an externally-focused innovation strategy. ""Communities of creation." "Innovation networks." "Open market innovation." "Crowdsourcing." Whatever you call it, companies increasingly recognize the urgent importance of reaching beyond their four walls to identify new sources of creativity and innovation. Translating such a need into actions tailored to your organization is, however, not easy. Now, two world-renowned business innovation experts address this "execution gap" and help you identify and implement the best network-centric innovation strategy for your company: a strategy that reflects your unique environment, builds on your unique strengths, and achieves your business performance goals." "You'll begin by touring the entire emerging landscape of network-centric innovation, assessing the advantages and tradeoffs of four major approaches, and choosing the one that's best for you. Then, one step at a time, you'll learn how to identify your best opportunities for leveraging external sources of innovation, and overcome each challenge you'll face along the way. The authors help you identify and fill gaps in your organizational capabilities ... systematically uncover and mitigate risks ... plan and implement your innovation network ... protect and promote your intellectual property ... define success, measure it, and make it happen."--Jacket The power of network-centricity Understanding network-centric innovation The four models of network-centric innovation Innovation networks : the players and the plays The orchestra model The creative bazaar model The jam central model The MOD ("MODification") station model Deciding where and how to play Preparing the organization Globalizing network-centric innovation : the dragon and the tiger Concluding thoughts & actions for "Monday" morning. Find out how to apply the power of network-centric innovation to your business so that your company continues to grow year after year.