Called “Implementing open innovation” the workshop looks at the skills, processes, culture and motivation needed for open innovation.

The IfM has confirmed the programme for its two Open Innovation workshops next month.

Open Innovation is becoming an increasingly popular method for firms to develop new products and services. Rather than relying on internal resources firms share knowledge and technologies with other companies in a bid to create new commercial opportunities.

The IfM recently concluded a two year study of Open Innovation, and now it is staging a workshop illustrating how firms can explore the possibilities of collaborative innovation.

Called “Implementing open innovation” the workshop looks at the skills, processes, culture and motivation needed for open innovation.

The workshop will feature Gerard Bol, Game changer at oil giant Shell, Mark Wilson Director, Collaboration Management GSK, Roland Harwood Director of Open Innovation at NESTA and MD of 100% Open, and Dr Harry Barraza of Unilever.

There is also a workshop designed especially for small and medium size businesses. Backed by IdeaSpace, Cambridge’s new centre for enterprise and innovation, and local law firm Taylor Vinter’s, the event will look at the challenges for small and start-up companies in forming productive collaborations with large companies.

The workshops take place on April 20th and 21st and will draw upon research findings at the IfM's Centre for Technology Management (CTM), revealing ways in which companies collaborate and configure themselves to succeed in OI.

For more details on the event check the website

Download the full press release here