The Network Innovator Checkup is a tool and part of the Ten-Types-Of-Innovation macro method (also described here). The second of the Ten Types Of Innovation describes innovative collaborations between companies. Through the network, resources and sales channels are mutually granted and used.
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in today’s networked world, no company can or needs to be able to do and have everything on its own. Network innovators create ways for a company to share the processes, technologies, offerings and sales channels of others.
In this way, an organization can capitalize its own resources and at the same time harness outside assets for its own purposes. Network innovations can also help executives mitigate risks that arise from new offerings. Collaborations can be temporary or long-term and can even work between iron rivals.
The Network Innovator also includes open innovation and cross-innovation approaches. They’ve helped companies engage a select few or the entire world in solving a challenge.
Other examples include the creation of secondary markets (where alternative consumers are found) and franchise systems where outside companies can use the company’s own brand names, resources and content in return for a license fee.
Successful Networks in Practice:
– Glaxosmithkline: GSK has several co-innovation relationships. In 2011, the company joined WIPO Re-Search, a collaboration of private and public organizations developing drugs for tropical diseases.
– UPS and Toshiba: The two companies have an agreement under which Toshiba customers can drop off their broken laptops for repair at UPS logistics bases in the U.S.