Learn why diversity matters for R&D Departements.

1. Diversity Solves Problems
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2. Does diversity of Solvers impact problems solving success?
Research
“166 distinct scientific problems from the research laboratories of 26 firms from ten
countries over a four-and-a-half year period. Problems involved everything from bio-
tech to consumer products and agrochemicals.”
Also, “large and well-known R & D-intensive firms had been unsuccessful in solving in-
ternally” these problems*
Results
“The approach solved one-third of the problems.”
Source: http://www.hbs.edu/research/facpubs/workingpapers/papers0607.html#07-050 * Karim R. Lakhani (Assistant Professor at HBS)
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3. Does diversity of Solvers impact problems solving success?
How did the solution submission process work?
“On average, 240 people seriously looked at each problem statement and then, on average, ten sub-
mitted solutions.”
“When you look at the ten people who submitted solutions and see that they expended anywhere
from thirty-five to seventy-five hours' worth of time”
When did success occur?
“Success was found to be associated with the ability to attract specialized solvers with range of
diverse scientific interests.”
“Successful solvers solved problems at the boundary or outside of their fields of expertise, indicating
a transfer of knowledge from one field to others.”
Key Takeaway
1. Problem Solving and Innovation take place “at the intersection of disciplines.”
2. Creative solutions actually transfer new knowledge and expertise INTO your area of interest, giving
you a competitive advantage in the market
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4. Does diversity of Solvers impact problems solving success?
Case #1:
A pharmaceutical firm’s researchers were stumped, for instance, by the unexpected results they en-
countered from a toxicology test in a drug study, even after consulting with toxicologists inside and
outside the company. After being broadcast, the puzzle was solved by a scientist with a PhD in protein
crystallography who didn’t normally encounter toxicology problems but was able to apply methods
common in her field.
Case #2:
A company in Alaska was having trouble pumping oil because it was so thick that it became very close
to solid state. After about a decade they could not find a solution. The solution ended up coming from
a person in the cement industry, who was frequently working with cement in very cold conditions. His
solution was to use a vibration tool that kept the oil vibrating and which kept it liquid enough to be
pumped.
Diversity impacts problem solving because:
1. Problems don’t care about your industry - many problems are not “industry specific” – the really cri-
tical aspects of the problems are cross-industry; hence, the skills of more people than just the specific
industry are relevant.
2. Industry Bias - In an industry, people tend to think similarly, getting outside perspective can also
bring new solutions, or force existing thinking to think slightly differently and by doing so allow the
industry specialist to find another solution (light bulb turns on!)
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5. Does diversity of Solvers impact problems solving success?
How does hypios create diversity?
hypios has developed a double approach to maintaining a high level of expertise
and diversity in its Solver network
Solvers Community Solver Surfer
hypios' Solver network is supported by the hypios has developed a proprietary tech-
most advanced social technologies and nology to match Solvers with the pro-
Solvers from every scientific field are blems that they would be most likely to
active in the network. solve, and that can reach thousands of Sol-
vers outside of its platform.
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6. Your Marketplace For Solutions
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