I-Gen Connecting people and ideas Helen Bailey & James Young 2012
What is innovation? Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things. Theodore Levitt Innovation is a new way of doing something to improve the way you work 2
Genesis of DAFF s innovation initiative 3
I-Gen = Innovation Generation Central hub with strong connections to and between business areas Ideas management system & empowerment tool Enables cultural change 4
Key elements of I-Gen Grassroots ideas & top-down support Proponent drives it Dedicated innovation team Lots of support coordinators, mentors, Innovation Champion 5
Key elements of I-Gen (cont.) Simple proposal template Justification for decisions One common space for ideas SharePoint Communication Recognition 6
I-Gen INNOVATION PROPOSAL TEMPLATE Project title Theme Rationale & background Objectives & benefits Method & timing Proposed team Budget & resources Consultation & communication Stakeholders Support Short and sharp Use terms like improving adding value.. increasing efficiency in Mention if it this an improved process or new idea Consider if, and how, this idea aligns with DAFF corporate objectives (Keep it simple) Outline objectives and who will benefit Provide information on how you will implement your idea Consider if your project is large enough to require a project management strategy (see I-Gen tool box or ask a mentor for guidance) Estimate time frames Include names, positions and contact details of proposer, mentors/sponsors and team members Consider how much it will cost (in dollars and/or people s time) and which area will pay for it If possible, provide a simple estimated budget (see I-Gen tool box or ask a mentor for guidance) Mention the people/areas you have discussed this idea with in DAFF Mention if this is part of an existing plan held with and managed by another group Consider if you need a communications strategy to help spread the word about your idea (see I-Gen tool box or ask a mentor for guidance) List the stakeholders State the support you have for your idea and if you have support to devote an agreed amount of time to it (The more support you have, the more likely you are to succeed.) Risks Outline the risks involved with this idea and how they would be managed (see I- Gen tool box or ask a mentor for guidance) Detail what the risks would be of NOT doing this project Review Provide your proposed review process (e.g. current costs compared with costs in a few months, survey of staff, analysis of goods or data, etc)
Projects page components Title Description Type Division Proponent Approver Start Finish Status Constraint
What we knew and learned
Be clear on why Innovation means different things to different people and organisations Define what it means for your business increasing business efficiency improving product development better focus on human capital Prove it first, get results and then allow it to permeate your organisation and culture 11
Start simple and build Greater buy-in from people Time to learn new processes Ability to adjust depending on feedback Don t try to do too much too quickly 12
Know how to get there Clear process from idea generation to implementation and delivery Need good systems and processes Governance and accountability is equally important 13
Not everyone wants to innovate I don t have time to be innovative I just don t get it More change! If it ain t broke, don t fix it Innovation is just a luxury, not a necessity This is pie in the sky stuff This is not core work This is just another way for management to make us work harder with less
Manage expectations Ideas can take months or multiple changes before they advance Many ideas fail If an idea succeeds first go then it is unlikely to be innovative 15
Know where the $ come from Venture capital isn t essential but it will speed up your innovation journey Have separate funding or build into existing budgets If you want to get innovative, cut your budget 16
Be open and transparent Rationale for decision making Avoids duplication Better resource allocation Breaks down silos 17
Measure the benefits 18
Think big, start local Align with the corporate vision or strategic plan Add value and improve at a local level to prove the concept Then use innovation to shape the strategic plan 19
Where to now? Different model Innovation Review Team Automated end-to-end system More targeted challenges and themes Adjust the communication narrative
Current I-Gen process
Possible future model
Summary Open and transparent innovation Simplicity is critical Focus on the people as much as the system Ideas that are taken forward by those who create them are more likely to succeed Ideas need support, coordination and recognition 23
Questions Helen Bailey Innovation Manager I-Gen Team t: (02) 6272 5760 helen.bailey@daff.gov.au James Young Senior Innovation Officer I-Gen Team t: (02) 6272 3261 james.young@daff.gov.au 24