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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#81Chapter 6: Group Creative Option Generation• Group Creative Optionsstrategic and holistic (Ecosystem Thinking) Thinkinggroup (multi-organizational and consortium) Mode3-12 Months (Collaborative Consortium)(Time-consuming (long-term))

Intercompany Innovation Groups

From the book "Advanced Problem-Solving Toolbox: 115 Creative Plays" | Compiled & Edited by: Mojtaba Goudarzi, Open translation: Mehrshid Goudarzi
Executive Synopsis & Core Logic:

formation of consortia and think-tanks among senior managers of heterogeneous industries for the exchange of best practices (Benchmarking), joint study trips and solving fundamental problems of the business ecosystem.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Group Creative Options
Dominant Thinking
strategic and holistic (Ecosystem Thinking)
Participation
group (multi-organizational and consortium)
Estimated TimeTime-consuming (long-term)
3-12 Months (Collaborative Consortium)
Workshop
Input Format
macro-ecosystem or common industry challenges, benchmark data, specialized knowledge of companies
Output Format
idea generation and strategic cooperation models
Key Application
Solving environmental and sustainability crises, supply chain standardization, dealing with regulatory shocks, and research and development (R&D) co-investment.
Core Differentiator:

Leaving the individual organizational fence and creating an open synergy between several independent economic enterprises and even indirect competitors under the guidance of a neutral facilitator or consultant.

Quick Field Example:

Managers of food, cosmetics and e-commerce platforms establish a national biodegradable packaging standard by forming a joint working group and visiting advanced laboratories.

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

sharing costs and high risks of innovation projects, learning directly from successful models of other industries, creating sustainable market standards.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

The risk of leaking commercial secrets and intellectual property, the possibility of slow decision-making due to the conflict of organizational interests, requiring neutral and legal facilitation.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Packaging and consumer goods industry: development of biodegradable polymers with the participation of food, health and online stores industries.
Logistics and distribution systems: establishing a shared cold storage logistics network between dairy and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Open Banking and Fintech: Development of common API security protocols between neobanks and insurance companies.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1Big problems cannot be solved alone: ​​challenges like plastic waste or regulation are beyond the financial power and influence of a single company.
2Cross-disciplinary learning: A solution that became commonplace in the automotive industry a decade ago could revolutionize the healthcare industry.
3Reducing the cost of research and development: pooling the budget of several companies makes it possible to conduct expensive experiments.
4Union Bargaining Power: Inter-company groups have a much higher influence on legislative institutions.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

"Intercompany Innovation Groups" are among the most advanced manifestations of Open Innovation. In this approach, senior managers of different companies gather around a common concern. Guided by an unbiased innovation consultant, the group explores future trends and prototypes transformative projects through elite seminars, study tours, and joint technical working groups.

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Design and Localization of Biodegradable Packaging by Consumer Industries Alliance
1
Step 1: Forming a quadripartite consortiumUnder the guidance of an innovation consultant, the sustainability managers of a dairy company, a cosmetic brand, an online marketplace, and a carton factory came together.
2
Step 2: Seminars and analysis of global trendsReview of European Union standards on green packaging and common consumer needs assessment was conducted in a two-day workshop.
3
Step 3: Study trip to the nanopolymer centerCoalition members visited the university laboratory of recombinant materials and evaluated the performance of starch and sugarcane based polymers.
4
Step 4: Forming a joint technical team and prototypingThe cost of producing test molds was divided between 4 companies and degradable waterproof packages were tested in the cold chain.
5
Step 5: Declaration of common standard and macro savingmass production started; The cost of packaging was reduced by 30% due to the aggregate order volume, and 4 companies were introduced as green market leaders.

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Previous Play (#80)
Innovation Committee
Next Play (#82)
Lion's Den
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