© Copyright 2003, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC Innovation as a Wicked Problem Barriers, Lessons, Examples David S. Clarke

© Copyright 2003, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC Linear approaches to problem solving Failure to reach throughout and across organizations Reliance on tried and true solutions Expectations of innovation as an “Aha!” event Lack of organizational capability Failure to link intended and emergent strategies via execution Lack of innovation leadership Barriers to innovation Failure to see innovation as a “wicked problem”

© Copyright 2003, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC Persistence – Memory – Iteration Broad stakeholder input – Boundary spanning Discover/develop wide range of possible solutions Process vs. event Re-use strategy: Framework vs. Solution Connection – Expertise – Interaction Leadership – Attention – Engagement Integrated Learning Sense – Analyze – Discover – Try Innovation framework

© Copyright 2001 General Motors Corporation, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC Example: GM new vehicle launch Marketing Requirements Labor Requirements Program Imperatives Regulatory Requirements Cost Constraints Quality Requirements Supplier Capabilities Plant Capacity Vehicle Development Process Engineering Workload Competitive Challenges Industry Feedback Engineering Changes Program Changes Customer Feedback Environmental Changes Vehicle Specs Supplier Logistics Vehicle Platform System Change Requirements Plant Configuration Plant Designs Part Designs Program Timing Launch Timing Supplier Orders Plant Workload Balance Equipment Installation

© Copyright 2001 General Motors Corporation, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC GM innovation framework Methods –Time architecture –Re-use / modularity –Launch teams –Metrics Tools –Real-time collaboration –Remote wireless cameras –Issue tracking system –“Storytelling” web site Leadership –Did you look for help with the problem? –Did you share the solution?

© Copyright 2003, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC Example: Gore aircraft sealant ALLIED AF LAB USAF AIRCRAFT MFG LAB APPLICATION ENGINEER APPLICATION ENGINEER APPLICATION ENGINEER

© Copyright 2003, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC Gore innovation framework  Global, integrated product development teams  Electronic flight trial reports – around the clock engineering – new solutions in the field next day  Information based product development cycle – use and speed of information flow became a competitive advantage  Leaders actively championed framework  Team published success stories to create market buzz and gain internal support and resources  Integrated global performance data drove improved product performance and safety, decreased time to certify

© Copyright 2003, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC Lessons ☼Innovation is a complex, holistic process without ready-made solutions – a wicked problem ☼An effective innovation framework is iterative, inclusive, and integrated ☼Innovation success comes from a disciplined approach to problem solving, not just great moments of inspiration © Copyright 2003, 2004 DESK Consulting, LLC