Technology Scouting and Beyond: Part 2 of 3

Creating Innovation Networks

Scouting is one of the basic ways in which companies look outside their walls, and formalizing this effort is important.

It’s hard to teach people how to do this right, and to impress upon them that technology staffing on its own isn’t enough. What I do with these companies is talk about getting beyond technology scouting and focusing equally (or even more) on developing a good, strong, relevant and effective network.

You, your team and/or your company will never be able find all the new and great ideas out there on your own. It’s not a matter of how many dedicated technology scouts you have (or don’t have as the case may be). It's a matter of who out there knows you and cares enough to “have your back.”

My best advice for knowing what’s out there and, more importantly, for making sure what’s out there knows you’re there? Devote resources to finding, identifying, building and maintaining good networks.

For more information on this topic, download this whitepaper on creating innovation networks. There is no easy fix. Success in this area takes work and is an ongoing effort, but it pays off. I promise.   

Comments

[Technology]

when talking about company you must considered what would bring it to you. also the satisfaction of your customers.