Innovation and management
About this article
This article is based on extracts taken from the Open University Business School course Managing Knowledge.
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Related programme
The third of the 2005 series of Reith lectures, given by the distinguished engineer Lord Broers
In his third lecture, Lord Broers turns his attention to the way technology, and in particular technological innovation, is managed and marketed.
He believes that the market is the best regulator and those who develop technologies without taking the customer into account are asking for trouble. Taking the example of the Airbus aircraft, Broers suggests that product development has become a global affair.
Universities come in for particular criticism as, despite their strengths in fundamental research, the academic mindset isn't able to focus sufficiently on product development.
Our Experts' Responses
'Bringing all three elements of successful innovation together is hugely difficult,' warns Joyce Fortune
'What's wrong with ivory towers?,' asks Derek Matravers
'Broers proposes a way of being innovative about innovation itself,' says Nick Braithwaite
'Broers' world is fuelled by paranoid, stressed-out macho competitors,' says Tom Hewitt
Your Responses
What do you think about Broers' view and our experts' responses? Join the debate.
Content last updated: 18/04/2005
