OpenUp2Innovate

This podcast combines research and practice of open innovation. Sometimes we have researchers as guests sharing scientific insights, other times we have practitioners sharing best practices on open innovation. Today, we combine both in one person: Dr. Oana-Maria Pop, head of open innovation at HYPE Innovation! Oana did her Ph.D. in economic ecosystems and collaboration. Oana has always been back and forth periodically between research and practice. Now she is applying her research into practice and supporting companies in integrating open innovation into their innovation strategy.

Oana & Aurelia got to know each other in June 2021 at a panel discussion organized by United Europe. Oana came from the service industry and Aurelia from psychology but what unites both was the intersection of open innovation. They hosted a challenge session at the World Open Innovation Conference together and it clicked so well that there was not much preparation needed as they both shared the same values and beliefs which was an important foundation for a successful collaboration without using many words.

A quote that influenced Oana on her way of doing research and business:

The understanding that social science is not static has a big impact on Oana's line of work. There is interesting research on why people want to collaborate and why people do not want to collaborate. Her favorite book is "This Idea Must Die" by John Brockmann which is a collection of essays by different authors. You have to progress through things - nothing stays forever. Some people are not comfortable with pivoting and changing their way of doing things.

Oana & Aurelia collaborate very well with each other as they both share the same values and beliefs. Oana emphasizes the following values that decide whether she would like to collaborate with a person or not:
- Authenticity: Don't pretend to be someone you are not
- Humour: Take yourself less serious
- Curiosity: Be interested in new things
- Trustworthiness: Being able to trust
- Track records: Such as how that person interacts with the waiter
- Shared goals: Are we going in the same direction?
- Inspiration: Does this person inspire me?

Oana is not looking for a "one-hit wonder" but for a long-term collaboration! It is about the journey and what you pick up along the journey... Aurelia & Oana agree that there is no need for more unicorns but rather sustainably growing companies that learn and improve steadily along the way!

According to Oana:
1) Companies don't really know that investment in innovation increases their profit in the long run.
2) Companies are scared and hesitant at the moment.
3) Companies stop innovation programs because they don't see the success. The reason for this: They don't measure the results.

Everything is at our fingertips at the moment. Everything comes up simultaneously. There is not sufficient patience anymore. If we do a better job of documenting how we work, would already increase our sense of success to make people believe in the progress. But changing behavior and habits take a while and people lose their patience too early.