Monday Buzz: Introducing Innovation Labs

When it comes to risks organizations face in the digital age, stagnation is among the most dangerous. Because the marketplace changes rapidly, innovation is key to survival, regardless of your industry. The real question many associations face isn’t whether to incorporate change, but how to best develop and act upon it.

Enter “innovation labs,” a concept adopted by many organizations and industry leaders to stay relevant amid the growing tide of competition. The idea is to give more focus and freedom to new ideas by separating the creation and implementation process, providing organizations with their own personal think tank.

The concept of a department with the sole purpose of developing and testing new ideas can be somewhat controversial, according to Charles King, an analyst for PUND-IT.

“Innovation labs are regularly knocked because they often don’t have clearly defined links to specific business strategies or goals,” King said in an interview with CIO  (opens in a new tab). “But that’s also the basis of their appeal. In essence, innovation labs create a ‘safe’ space where an organization can explore unconventional, even radical ideas.”

Many industry leaders, including IBM and Lowe’s, have adopted innovation labs and are quite pleased with the results, reported CIO Contributor John Brandon.

“Having a group of folks focused on innovation can be far more effective but only if there is some kind of cross pollination,” analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group told Brandon. “There is a real art in balancing the group’s independence with keeping it connected to the business. Too much connection and you don’t get the innovation, too little and it becomes redundant.”

But by keeping that balance in mind, an innovation lab could be central to solidifying your association’s continued relevance.

Writing Tips of the Day

https://twitter.com/socialfish/status/706812043060379650

When it comes to sharing ideas, your content is just as important as your presentation. Social Fish contributor and community-building pro Maddie Grant has a new batch of valuable writing tips  (opens in a new tab), from choosing your tone to referencing your sources to ensuring your website will properly represent your organization.

Other Good Reads

Is sleep an “all or nothing” endeavor? Fast Company Contributor Jill Duffy explores a new study on the proper amount of sleep  (opens in a new tab) that could help make your workdays a lot less sleepy.

What really enables your productivity? New York Times Magazine reporter Susan Dominus explains why flexibility is key to productivity.  (opens in a new tab)

The pros and cons of standing desks: As offices become more health conscious, organizations are looking into the risks and benefits of one of the most popular trends  (opens in a new tab).

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