Crowdsourcing Innovation: Changing the world one idea at a time | Rob Wilmot | TEDxKraków

Summary

The video explores the challenges of enacting change in organizations, emphasizing the untapped potential of collective intelligence through crowdsourcing ideas. It highlights various examples, such as a porter in the NHS who improved patient dignity with a simple gown redesign, and Rio de Janeiro's crowdsourced initiatives during the World Cup to address citizen concerns. By promoting open innovation and engaging diverse voices, organizations can transform stagnant processes and foster meaningful change. The speaker advocates for creating environments where transformational ideas can flourish, illustrating the power of collaboration in driving progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many individuals face frustration in their workplaces due to a resistance to change and outdated processes.
• 🏥 Healthcare professionals often struggle against administrative barriers that hinder improvements in patient care.
• 💡 Transformational ideas are frequently overlooked in organizations and communities, leading to stagnation.
• 📜 The historical shift from ancient Greek democratic engagement to modern bureaucratic structures has contributed to the current resistance to change.
• 🛠️ Employees often feel powerless to suggest improvements, leading to a culture where management is seen as always right.
• 🤝 Crowdsourcing ideas can effectively harness collective intelligence and foster innovation within organizations.
• 👥 Open innovation encourages inclusivity by allowing contributions from individuals who are usually marginalized in decision-making processes.
• 👗 The example of a porter in the NHS illustrates how grassroots ideas can lead to meaningful changes in practices and policies.
• 🌍 Crowdsourcing can also be applied to address social issues, as seen in the case of Rio de Janeiro's citizen engagement during the World Cup.
• 🌱 Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund demonstrate the positive impact of funding grassroots initiatives through crowdsourced ideas.

Q & A

What are some common barriers to innovation within organizations?

Barriers to innovation often include bureaucratic inertia, a rigid administrative structure, and a culture where management dismisses ideas from employees without consideration.

How does open innovation differ from traditional management approaches?

Open innovation encourages inclusive participation from diverse stakeholders, allowing for a broader range of ideas and solutions, as opposed to traditional approaches that rely heavily on top-down decision-making.

Can you provide an example of a successful crowdsourcing initiative mentioned in the transcript?

The mayor of Rio engaged citizens in crowdsourcing ideas for planning the legacy of the Olympic Games, resulting in meaningful infrastructure projects that benefited the local community.

What role did the porter in the NHS play in the innovation process?

The porter proposed a redesign of patient gowns to enhance dignity, demonstrating how valuable insights can come from individuals who are often overlooked in the decision-making process.

What was the outcome of the World Wildlife Fund's crowdsourcing efforts?

The World Wildlife Fund established a fund that gathered ideas for green technology startups, successfully funding $2.5 million in grants over two years to support new initiatives in the economy and ecosystem.

How does the speaker view the relationship between community engagement and innovation?

The speaker believes that engaging communities in the innovation process can unlock transformative ideas that might otherwise remain hidden, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.

What does the term 'open innovation' encompass according to the speaker?

'Open innovation' refers to the process of involving diverse participants in generating and refining ideas, often through collaboration and shared responsibility, leading to innovative solutions.

What challenges do employees face when trying to propose changes in their organizations?

Employees often face dismissal from management when suggesting changes, as management may be too focused on maintaining the status quo or may not prioritize taking time to consider new ideas.

What impact can open innovation have on societal issues?

Open innovation can address societal issues by incorporating the voices of citizens and stakeholders in decision-making processes, leading to solutions that better meet community needs and enhance quality of life.

How did Hudson Communication utilize social media in their innovation efforts?

Hudson Communication launched a campaign with the hashtag 'when stuff sucks make it right,' inviting social media users to share ideas for improving mobile communications, resulting in a significant influx of innovative suggestions.