This presentation takes a fresh look at Open Innovation through the lens of an organization’s intellectual property (IP). It introduces the concept of IP and need for patent protection. It recognizes how highly-creative ideas from a diverse range of participants can enrich the ability to generate innovative outcomes. Discussion centers on the tradeoff between IP sharing and protection, and what can be done to innovate valuable outcomes while not losing control of one’s IP.

Specifically, it examines: 

1. where great ideas come from that can lead to innovative breakthroughs;

2. how diversity in social networks and engagement is essential to creating value;
3. what the risks to open innovation are, namely the theft of IP; and

4. what can be done to mitigate these risks while fostering highly-collaborative outcomes.

Various management practices, collaboration methods, teaming options, and contractual actions are presented to highlight how OI and IP protection can be simultaneously achieved. Time permitting, case summary examples are given to showcase how some companies succeed at this while, at the same time, capitalize on patent protection.

Dr. Robert Bornhofen

IBM (Strategy & Innovation Leader)

University of Maryland University College (Adjunct Professor)