Mechanisms of Innovation
To bring novel treatments to market, organizations must integrate knowledge from domains as distant as molecular biology is from clinical trial design. Synthesizing knowledge across disciplines is the central mechanism of innovation delivery, but few organizations are designed to do it.
The neural networks activated in creative thinking provide a robust model for organizing biotech innovation. Findings on the neural, interpersonal, and organizational mechanisms of creativity can help an enterprise design a more successful engine to create value for patients.
A real case study shows this knowledge synthesis at work. Stories told by the startup team at Acetylon Pharmaceuticals illustrate six innovation mechanisms in action:
- Individual scientific creativity
- Collective creativity
- Scientific collaboration
- Proof of concept
- Product development
- Innovation ecosystem
From this case study, biotech leaders can learn how to design more powerful organizational engines to discover and develop new medicines.