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How do companies innovate?

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by ethan roberts

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I've been reading with great interest one of the other discussions in progress where a developer has suggested trying PHP for some new development rather than ASP, which all the previous work had been done with. Several of the responses have suggested the developer is attempting to build an empire, obtain job security, set himself apart from other developers, etc.

As a developer who often encourages looking at new technologies, I'm very surprised by these reactions. When I make suggestions, it's because I think there's a benefit to be gained or a good opportunity to explore, but based on the postings I've been reading, many people don't feel that way. If new ideas are going to be met with such suspicion, how are companies (and developers) supposed to promote innovation? Why is suggesting something different looked at so harshly?

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by jj1196

You already made your point - and did a fine job. I just want to add my 2 cents. I'm in a fortune 50 company as a software engineer, process engineer and closet interactive web developer.

I develop mostly for our internal apps and websites. The company line is 'if it looks too nice, you need more work to do.'

The company I work for would amaze people that it is so visibly a technology leader - but so far behind when it comes to 'practicing what it preaches.' When it comes to our hardware - we're up to date. When it comes to our websites - we're 5 years behind.

Innovation is 'nice' but, really, "who has the time?"

I have been advocating newer web interfaces and technologies for 2 years here. Most of it is met with a yawn. But I take heart because at least once a week I either read something or hear a comment that reveals my vision of the future and 'present' is valid, valued, and even desired... in the world at large. It's a matter of perspective. People outside my company are already there or on there way. That's what keeps me up and focused.

--m

by name removed by request

As often in life, things are finally driven by a few individuals. This has been the story of this world where one person can change the life of millions as Gutenberg did in the past.

A company is a small world on its own and you have to be the Gutenberg of this company, be the man! It requires you to be determined, consistent, persistent and to be able to make your circle of influence larger but it works, more or less quickly depending on how the company values innovation and creativity.

This can work in all companies but in a company truly pushing creativity like 3M for example this can lead to the famous story on how the "post-it" was invented. 3M clearly states in their company objectives that something like 30% of their products offering should be renewed every three years (not sure of the exact % and duration). More companies should follow this example to allow the potential Gutenberg, Torvald etc to reveal themselves.

by holiver

We do work developing white papers to communicate innovative ideas. Its a low risk way to test ideas

by wayne m.

I am not sure what the complaint is. If you expect to state an opinion and expect everyone to immediately say, "Wow! Let's do that now!" is unrealistic. If one wants to innovate, he needs to work at it.

If one wants to have an new approach adopted, he must be prepared to justify the new approach to doubters. What are the benefits? The costs? The advantages? The disadvantages? How can a trial attempt be set up? Be prepared to answer these questions.

People innovate and it is hard work. Don't expect to send a single e-mail and magically have the "company" innovate. If you want it, work for it.

by ethan_roberts

Take a look at this discussion - it's what prompted my question. If the link doesn't work for you for some reason, it's #11 in the Web Technologies forum.
http://builder.com.com/forumdiscuss/thread_detail.jhtml?thread_id=117024

I agree that you have to work to promote new ideas. My question was regarding the suspicion attached to making the suggestion as displayed in the other discussion forum. Why assume the guy (or girl) is building an empire just because they ask about using PHP?

by wayne m.

I reviewed the referenced thread and I would suggest that the original request was unclear as to its purpose. More clarity in the request might have improved the responses.

If the intent of the request was to solicit either technical informationon fusing PHP with an existing ASP environment or opinions on the future of ASP, then a brief description of the environment (as in the first paragraph) and a request for information (as in the third paragraph) would be sufficient. With the addition of other information, such as one being a new programmer or preferring Open Source, the question becomes less clear. It becomes easy to interpret the question as a political one rather than a technical one.

I recommend reading "Elements of Style" to everyone in a professional environment. Written communication is easy to misinterpret and clarity is key. One should focus on the message one wants to communicate, keep it brief, and follow the "say it 3 times" approach. This will help minimize misinterpretation of questions and recommendations.

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