Applying impact based incentives for idea generation in R&D projects

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2005.Includes bibliographical references (p. 50-51).Innovation is a key factor for sustainable competitiveness, and idea generation in Research and Development is an essential part of it. In the present study, we focus on a specific process that intends to inhibit some dysfunctional behaviors occurring in team work schemes for idea generation - namely free ride, evaluation apprehension and production blocking. To that effect, we follow a twofold approach: a literature review of some aspects pertaining to creativity, reward systems and team work; and the application of an anonymous and asynchronous idea-generation system with incentives based on impact (IDEATION) in real-world situations of an R&D department. The outcomes of the proposed IDEATION process are analyzed and compared to the estimated results for verbal brainstorming, thus allowing conclusions about the effectiveness of the former.by Rafael Holzhacker.S.M