Methods for searching for innovative ideas and developing creativity. Basic methods of finding ideas for innovation. innovative brokerage and triz. Innovative ideas as a base for startups: successfully implemented innovations

Volgograd branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation


Keywords

idea, entrepreneurial idea, innovative idea, innovations, methods of search of innovative ideas

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Abstract to the article

Today, much attention is paid to the issues of finding the foundations for creating innovations. But at the same time, there is no unified approach to determining the sources of innovation. This article makes an attempt to systematize the sources of innovation and highlight methods for searching for innovative ideas that are most effective.

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The idea (Greek idea - concept, representation) of innovation means the general concept of using certain innovations to implement a specific plan. The search for innovation ideas is a creative process. Let's try to figure out where innovative ideas come from? There is still no consensus on the sources of innovation. According to J. Schumpeter, it fundamentally owes its appearance to the entrepreneur, since the essence of the entrepreneurial function lies in recognizing and implementing new opportunities in the economic field. An entrepreneurial idea has two features: · without it, entrepreneurial activity is not possible at all; · any functioning entrepreneur in his activities cannot avoid the process of accumulation, selection and comparative analysis of entrepreneurial ideas. The impetus for the search for new entrepreneurial ideas can be: · demand (existing and predicted). The manufacturer must be able to identify and satisfy the needs of the consumer even before the consumer himself can correctly determine his needs. · special abilities of an entrepreneur. Only your own talent is a tangible and reliable starting point in the vast unknown world of business. · development of the existing production structure. A new business can expand other businesses, take advantage of demand created by other companies, and further develop existing purchasing habits of producers and consumers. · use of unique local resources. An important element is the fact that local resources may be better or better than other competing resources. Many products that use local resources can compete successfully with imported ones. · use of experience of successful business. Studying the experience of running a successful business can provide many interesting insights. The problem is that entrepreneurs sometimes try to blindly follow a business, try to copy the successful experience of a neighbor who is successfully developing in close proximity to them. The vast majority of researchers note science as the most important source, or more precisely, the sphere of birth of innovations. It is in this area that basic innovations are born and have the greatest potential for transformation as they are commercialized. An important source of innovation is invention. One can also note such a motivating reason for the emergence of innovations as the market with the game of demand, supply, price, competition, and the struggle for the consumer. Innovation is based on an innovative idea (invention, discovery), and this idea is aimed at creating, in a general sense, a more efficient method of production that allows the use of available resources to greater benefit than the methods available at a given stage of development of society. The sources of innovative ideas were considered in most detail by P.V. Drucker. He identified the following seven sources of innovative ideas: · An unexpected event, which could be sudden success, unexpected failure. Failure indicates the need for change, in other words, hidden innovative opportunities. · The discrepancy between reality, such as it is not, and its reflection in the opinions and assessments of people. · Changing needs of the production process. Considering this source of innovative ideas, it is implied about improving an existing process, restructuring an old process in accordance with new needs. · Change in industry or market structure. This source opens up great opportunities for innovation. · Demographic changes. · Changes in perceptions and values. Perceptions are almost impossible to quantify, but they are the source of innovation. · New knowledge, scientific and non-scientific. Innovations based on new knowledge become the object of the greatest attention and bring in large profits. “Every great idea bears the stamp of failure. This is not always noticeable, because when an innovation is recognized, its difficult path to success is instantly airbrushed out... A paradox arises: the higher the potential of an idea, the harder it is to find someone who wants to try it.” Any innovation must mature and be accepted by society. Only in this case will it bring success. In the book Diffusion of Innovations, Everett M. Rogers identifies five factors that determine the rate at which new ideas spread; every innovator should keep them in mind. If we summarize everything, we get the following: · Relative benefit. What value does the new thing have compared to the old? This advantage is determined by the potential consumer, not the inventor. As a result, ideas that are useless from the point of view of the innovator may receive recognition, but more valuable ones may not. · Compatibility. How much effort does it take to move from something familiar to innovation? If the price is higher than the relative benefit, most people will not try the new product. The price includes a person's value system, finances, habits or personal beliefs. Technological compatibility is just part of what makes an innovation common. The new idea must be compatible with habits, beliefs, values ​​and lifestyle. · Complexity. How much learning does it take to apply an innovation? The smaller the conceptual gap, the higher the chances of an innovation being adopted. · Possibility of verification. How easy is it to try out an innovation? Free samples and demos have been a centuries-old technique for safely testing new ideas. The easier it is to try an innovation, the faster it spreads. · Observability. How noticeable are the results of the innovation? The more noticeable the perceived benefits, the faster the new product will take root, especially within social groups. In his book “Say Your Moo!” Don't try to be perfect, just be great." Seth Godin identifies the following sources of great ideas: 1. New employees. Newcomers to the organization are the greatest source of the good ideas you create. They are the ones who have an unclouded look. They bring a fresh vibe to the organization. 2. People from the periphery. In many organizations, the main office is a bastion of the status quo. The closer you are to the throne, the less need you have to start anything new. But on the periphery you can experiment. This is where new ideas are conceived, implemented and used. If they are viable, they can be exported to the main office. If they are unsuccessful, then it can be quietly hushed up, and no one will remember these ideas again. If you're looking for good ideas or want to try out some of them, head to the periphery. That's where the movement happens. 3. Front line workers. If you want to hear great ideas, go to the front lines where your organization interacts with customers. You can get extremely useful ideas in a very short time. 4. Consumers. Consumers know what they want and what they like, and if you offer them a new thing, they will very quickly tell you what they think about it. If you want to learn about great ideas without breaking the bank, try setting up communication spots where consumers can talk to you. They will appreciate this opportunity and you will learn a lot of new things. 5. Great companies from other industries. There are no new ideas - and this is the bitter truth. There are only new applications for old ideas and ingenious ways to apply them. So one way to get great ideas is to steal them. The history of innovation is full of “geniuses” who begged, borrowed and stole ideas in one field to apply them to another. He also provides a list of time-tested techniques for finding great ideas. 1. “Focus on quantity, not quality. Most believe that you have to wait for the one, incredibly successful idea to come along. In the search process, they ignore many simpler ideas, which, however, are interesting, useful and smart. The point is that all of these ideas are worth considering. You never know how a small idea can suddenly turn into a big idea. So appreciate all ideas. 2. Collect all ideas. Once you're ready to stock up on ideas, you'll want to collect all the ideas you can get your hands on. When you come across an idea, write it down. Write down when you encounter something noteworthy. 3. Get out of your own comfort zone. If you want to find new ideas, you have to go out and look for them. Develop your peripheral vision. You will be surprised how many new things you will notice when you find yourself in unfamiliar territory. 4. Travel. They say that travel broadens your horizons. But that is not all. They also deepen it. Awareness is the worst enemy of new ideas. So go to new places. Expand the boundaries of consciousness. 5. Chat with someone. Make a list of people you know whose points of view you really respect. Make it a point to call them regularly just to chat. All you have to ask is “what’s new?” Listen and take notes. Journalists do this all the time, calling it “source development.” This is how they find ideas for their articles. Try this method in your business. It should work. 6. Educate yourself. Sign up for some classes or courses. Generating new ideas is an integral part of the learning process, so get involved in your education. Simply attend classes. It could be anything from gardening to a foreign language, cooking or photography. When you tune in to perceive new knowledge, your consciousness expands. As you learn, you will begin to notice new things, and you will very likely begin to notice new things at work.” To find innovative ideas, the following methods are most effective: trial and error, test questions, brainstorming, morphological analysis, focal objects, synectics, seven-fold search strategy, solution theory and inventive problems. Trial and error method. Its essence lies in the consistent promotion and consideration of all possible ideas for solutions to a specific problem. At the same time, every time an unsuccessful idea is discarded and a new one is not put forward in its place; there are no rules for finding the right idea and evaluating it. Test question method - questions are asked according to a pre-compiled questionnaire. Each question is a test (a series of tests). It's essentially a refined trial and error method. The brainstorming method involves collectively considering a specific problem in order to select the most successful idea generated. The main advantage of the brainstorming method is the prohibition of criticism. But the ban on criticism is also a weakness of brainstorming. To develop an idea, you need to identify its shortcomings. Method of morphological analysis. The essence of this method is the combination in a single system of methods for identifying, designating, counting and classifying all intended options for any function of the innovation under consideration. The focal object method is based on the intersection of features of randomly selected objects on the object being improved, which lies in the focus of transfer and is called the focal object. The synectics method is a method of searching for ideas in the process of attacking a problem that has arisen by specialized groups of professionals using various types of analogies and associations. Solving a problem using the synectics method means looking at it from a new point of view, turning off psychological inertia. The seven-fold search strategy involves choosing the right idea by searching for it sequentially in seven stages: analysis of the formulated problem - analysis of the characteristics of known analogues of new products or operations - formulation of a general idea - selection of fundamental ideas - control of ideas - selection of one practically applicable idea from the list - implementation of the selected idea into innovation. The method of theory of solution and inventive problems (TRIZ) is an improved algorithm for solving inventive problems. The methods listed above do not exhaust all methods that can be used to search for innovative ideas. Each of the methods aims to facilitate the search for a solution to a creative problem in comparison with the so-called “trial and error” method that people usually use. The feasibility of using the method, in particular, depends on the complexity of the problem being solved. All of the above allows us to determine that the basis for creating innovations can be science, invention, innovative ideas and other impetuses for the search for innovative ideas.

In a number of educational publications you can find different approaches to describing the procedures and methodological foundations for creating innovations and even predicting them. Without going into numerous descriptions of these processes and based on the practice of innovation, it is possible and necessary to distinguish methods of searching for ideas into an independent field of knowledge. They echo the methods of scientific knowledge and at the same time are quite specific, since they relate to the clear tasks of finding ideas for their material embodiment in innovation. At the same time, the idea is based on both new and established scientific knowledge and technologies.

At the same time, if a working idea is found, then the further process of creating an innovation based on it has already been well worked out, we have studied it in many ways, and the next chapters of this textbook will be devoted to it. Therefore, in this section we focus on ideation methods.

The creation of innovation, as we have already found out, is associated with creative activity during the implementation of the stages of exploratory and applied research. From the point of view of creativity, the key stage is the development and materialization of an idea in a model.

The main thing is to find a feasible idea

The reason for the emergence of an innovative idea is, as a rule, a contradiction that has arisen between existing products and operations and new economic conditions, a new technical, technological and socio-economic situation.

The basis for the emergence of an innovative idea is already existing knowledge and technology. Therefore, in order to reveal the idea, i.e. to understand how all existing knowledge can be used in a new way, figuratively speaking, “it is necessary to stand on the shoulders of giants and go beyond the limits of the knowledge and technologies with which they previously operated.”

Therefore, in the process of creating innovation, an important role belongs to observations, analysis and synthesis of phenomena, often scientific abstraction, the construction of hypotheses, and forecasting of technical and economic indicators and phenomena.

Let's start with the fact that analysis and synthesis are a dual method of cognition and one of the elements of the process of abstract thinking.

Analysis(Greek analysis - decomposition, dismemberment) is a method of scientific knowledge, consisting in the mental or real dismemberment of the whole into its component parts.

Synthesis(Greek synthesis - connection, combination, composition) is a method of scientific research of any object or phenomenon, consisting in knowing it as a single whole, in the unity and mutual connection of its parts.

Abstraction(lat. abstractio- distraction) involves the mental exclusion of a number of properties of objects and the relationships between them from consideration, the search for other combinations.

In general, the formation of a new idea begins with the construction of a hypothesis.

Hypothesis(Greek hypothesis - basis, assumption) acts as a scientifically based assumption put forward to explain a phenomenon and requires experimental verification and technical justification. The criterion for a hypothesis is its testability.

In the process of forming a new idea, imagination plays a direct role, which is closely related to intuition. Imagination is the creation of new images, occurring in a visual sense, as well as the transformation and processing of perceptual data and other material from past experience, resulting in a new idea.

Intuition (lat. interior - I look closely, carefully) represents the ability to directly, as if suddenly, without logical thinking, find the correct solution to a problem. An intuitive solution arises as an internal insight, enlightenment of thought, revealing the essence of the issue being studied. Many authors believe that this leads to a short-term unexpected insight and requires a conscious fixation of the decision.

To search for an innovative idea, the following groups of methods are used:

- Heuristic methods(from ancient Greek eg)r(axo (heurisko), lat. evrica -“I’m looking for”, “I’m opening”). These are the most common methods of creative activity.

In conditions of incompleteness and vagueness of the initial information, methods and rules of scientific and engineering research are used, which are adapted to the initial uncertain conditions and are not a clear program.

If it is impossible to apply some techniques and rules, then it is considered that it is being implemented intuitive search, in which the solution to a problem comes as a result of a sudden “insight”. The success of the application depends on knowledge and experience - in an “empty place” no insights can lead to a useful idea that can be implemented.

- Algorithmic (formal) methods are based on logical processing, including the use of computer programs, on completely or almost completely specified initial information (knowledge base), containing information about patents, scientific and technical effects and basic methods for eliminating scientific and technical contradictions.

All these methods are well studied and presented in sources specifically devoted to methods of conducting research, developing problems and finding management solutions. Those who wish to study them in detail can use the relevant publications and materials, including on the Internet.

Let's look at the four most commonly used methods for finding ideas:

  • - trial and error method (heuristic);
  • - method of morphological analysis (algorithmic);
  • - method of focal objects (heuristic);

Intuitive search method (heuristic);

and three promising approaches to finding ideas and innovative solutions:

  • - theory of solving inventive problems (TRIZ) (algorithmic);
  • - methodology of innovation brokerage (heuristic);
  • - modified brainstorming (heuristic, intuitive).

Trial and error method. Its essence lies in the consistent promotion and consideration of all possible ideas for solving a specific problem. In this case, each time an unsuccessful idea is discarded and a new one is put forward in its place. There are no rules for finding the right idea and evaluating it. This method is often called Monkey patch method(from English - the monkey sees the result and repeats attempts with partial changes until it finds a suitable option). This saying was first applied to the teaching process without understanding why it works. The effectiveness of this method is quite obvious.

Method of morphological analysis was proposed by the Swiss astronomer F. Zwicky in 1942. The term “morphological” (Greek. morph- form) means appearance. The essence of this method is the combination in a single system of methods for identifying, designating, counting and classifying all intended options for any function of the innovation under consideration. Thanks to this method, he was able to obtain a significant number of original technical solutions in rocket science in a short time. Based on the methodology of eschatological systematicity - target management, indicative decision-making.

Morphological analysis consists of six successive stages:

  • Stage 1 - problem formulation;
  • 2nd stage - problem statement;
  • 3rd stage - compiling a list of all characteristics of the examined (alleged) product or operation;
  • Stage 4 - compiling a list of possible solutions for each characteristic. This list is summarized in a multidimensional table called the “morphological box” or “Zwicky cube” (Fig. 2.2).

Rice. 2.2. Zwicky cube. This presentation of solution options allows you to combine various parameters of an object or combine different final products from various components in the most rational way. The corresponding matrix for jet engines running on chemical fuel, built by F. Zwicky, contained 576 possible solutions 1

In the simplest case, when implementing the morphological analysis method, a two-dimensional morphological map is drawn up: two most important characteristics of the product are selected, a list of all possible forms of influence or alternatives is generated for each of them, then a table is built, the axes of which are these lists. The cells of such a table correspond to options for solving the problem under study. The total number of options in the morphological box is equal to the product of the number of elements on the axes;

  • 5th stage - analysis of combinations of identified properties;
  • Stage 6 - selection of the best combination of properties.

Example 2.2.

The idea of ​​a new means of transportation on snow (snowmobile)

An accurate definition of the class of systems (devices) under study allows us to reveal the main characteristics or parameters that facilitate the search for new solutions. In relation to a snowmobile as a vehicle, the morphological characteristics can be the functional components of the snowmobile, shown in the matrix (“Morphological box”):

Properties

Design

Engine

internal

combustion

reactive

engine

electric motor

Mover

propeller, skis

caterpillars

caterpillar,

Cabin

detachable

without cabin

Freight

possibilities

compartment in the cabin

trunk

Control

hydraulics

metal rods

email drives

mixed

Providing reverse gear

for maneuver

reinforced for work

Each characteristic (parameter) has a certain number of different independent properties. So, engines: B 1 - internal combustion, B 2 - gas turbine, B 3 - jet engine, A 4 - electric motor, etc.; propellers: B 1 - propeller + skis, B 2 - tracks, B 3 - caterpillar + skis, B 4 - augers, etc.

For a given problem in matrix expression (morphological box) the most significant parameters are recorded. For example, for a snowmobile the matrix will look like:

  • (A, A 2)
  • (B-i B 3 B 4)
  • (B 1 B 2 B 3 B 4), etc. Unrealistic options are immediately discarded.

Then they are combined based on their purpose. In particular, for motorized snowmobiles for 1-2 people there will be a combination of A 2 B 1 C 3 D 4 D 5 E 2 F 3.

(Borrowed with modification: Wikipedia https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mopcological_analysis_(invention)).

Focal object method was first proposed in 1926 and subsequently significantly improved by Charles Wyoming in the mid-50s. XX century This method is based on the intersection of features of randomly selected objects on the object being improved, which lies in the focus of transfer and is called the focal object.

The sequence of application of this method:

  • 1) selection of focal objects (product or operation);
  • 2) choosing three or more random objects at random from a dictionary, catalog, book, etc.;
  • 3) compiling a list of characteristics of random objects;
  • 4) idea generation by attaching features of random objects to the focal object;
  • 5) development of random combinations through free associations;
  • 6) evaluation of the ideas received and selection of useful solutions.

Advantages:

  • - ease of learning and unlimited possibilities for finding new approaches to the problem;
  • - unconventionality of the ideas put forward;
  • - universality of the method.

Flaws:

  • - unsuitability for solving complex problems;
  • - the method and all its varieties provide only simple combinations;
  • - there are no selection rules and internal criteria for evaluating the ideas received.

Example 2.3.

Upgradable object - flashlight (autonomous light)

Random objects: glasses, traffic light, mittens. Their properties and characteristics:

  • 1) glasses: sunglasses, safety glasses, fashion glasses;
  • 2) traffic light: colored, bright, regulates traffic;
  • 3) mittens: warm, soft.

New combinations:

  • 1) solar flashlight, protective flashlight, fashionable flashlight;
  • 2) a multi-colored flashlight, a flashing flashlight, a warning flashlight;
  • 3) the flashlight is warm (warming), the flashlight is soft.

New ideas:

  • 1) a flashlight rechargeable from sunlight, a flashlight in the form of decoration;
  • 2) a flashlight-beacon for motorists (with yellow or red), a flashlight with color filters, a flashlight-wand for traffic police;
  • 3) flashlight is shockproof, heat radiation flashlight, rechargeable.

The focal object method is very often used in brainstorming, which is most related to the intuitive heuristic method of finding ideas.

A method of intuitive search for ideas and solutions. Realizing the possibilities of an intuitive search for ideas by qualified and talented inventors and scientists, science nevertheless proposes some algorithms for the most optimal use of the capabilities of these people and involving qualified, but not intuitive, people in information processing.

Initially, the option of a directed survey of experts, generalization and analysis of the survey results began to be implemented, which was divided into 4 stages:

  • - organization of the expert survey procedure;
  • - formation of a group of experts;
  • - conducting an expert survey;
  • - processing the results of the expert survey.

To effectively solve a problem, it is important to rationally organize experts’ analysis of it with a quantitative assessment of their judgments and mathematical and statistical processing of the results obtained. The final expert opinion is accepted as a solution to the problem.

The main thing is to properly organize the survey of experts

The general scheme of organizing the forecasting procedure based on an expert survey is as follows (Fig. 2.3).


Rice. 2.3.

This diagram reflects the process of expert questioning of highly qualified specialists on the problem being solved in any applicable mode: written, oral, using any communication means, etc., of course, within the time allotted for searching for a solution to the problem. Wherein:

  • - moderator (leader of work on the forecast), being a highly qualified specialist not only in the field of the problem, but also in the field of planning and forecasting methods, methods of expert search for solutions, develops a general plan for conducting a survey and leads the organizational group;
  • - an organizational group consisting of 2-3 expert survey specialists develops questions and general approaches to analyzing expert survey data;
  • - a materials processing group, consisting of 3-5 specialists with knowledge in the field of the problem being solved, is engaged in the processing of materials using, as far as possible, all methods and techniques of formalized processing of materials.

Depending on the problem being solved, up to 100 or more experts may be involved.

In this method, the most important thing is not the organization of all the work, but the selection of experts and the clarity of the questions asked of them.

World experience shows that in order to search for innovative ideas, it is most advisable to involve as experts newly established researchers and creators of new things who are in the period of developing their capabilities, i.e. at the age of 30-50 years. Only when searching for ideas in the field of organization and management, the most effective are experts aged 40 to 65 years.

Regarding the clarity of formulating questions to experts, you can use the well-known saying: “If you want to get a smart answer, ask a smart question.”

In the process of working with experts, there is a categorical prohibition to speak critically of other experts until all of them are contacted with a request for comprehensive criticism of all proposals processed.

Correspondence work with experts is unproductive and labor-intensive. Therefore, discussions and other options for group work must be organized.

After processing the proposals made by experts (in absentia or preliminary in individual interviews), group work is organized. First of all, systematized ideas are clarified and then subjected to comprehensive criticism, of course, with reasons and arguments. At the same time, it is appropriate to recall this rule: “Do not kill the most idiotic idea right away - it may turn out to be the only way to a real pioneering idea.”

  • Zwicky F. Discovery Invention, Research Through the Morphological Approach. McMillan, 1969.
  • Kuzmin A.M. Method of focal objects // Methods of quality management. 2003. No. 7. P. 32.

The innovation process begins with initialization, which includes the search for an innovative idea.

This search is the most important and most difficult moment, characterized by the use of specially developed methods.

An innovative idea contains a general idea of ​​the use of certain innovations to implement the intended plan, reflecting an awareness of the need and serving as the starting point of the creative process.

In the creative process, three stages can be distinguished: concept (the appearance of the idea itself), transformation of the idea into a work plan, implementation of the intended plan (translation of the idea into material form). These stages are conditional in nature, since in real creative activity their sequence is not strictly regulated.

The reason for the emergence of an innovative idea is, as a rule, a contradiction that has arisen between existing products and operations and new business conditions, a new technical, technological and financial-economic situation.

In the cognitive process of innovation, an important role belongs to observations, analysis and synthesis of phenomena, scientific abstraction, construction of hypotheses, forecasting of technical and economic indicators and phenomena. When observing, a person is limited only to sensory cognition and instrumental study of a certain phenomenon. Analysis and synthesis are a dual method of cognition and one of the elements of the process of abstract thinking. Analysis (Greek) analysis- decomposition, dismemberment) is a method of scientific research consisting in the mental or real dismemberment of the whole into its component parts. Synthesis (Greek) synthesis - connection, combination, composition) is a method of scientific research of any object or phenomenon, consisting in knowing it as a single whole, in the unity and mutual connection of its parts.

Abstraction (lat. abstract - distraction) involves the mental exclusion of a number of properties of objects and the relationships between them from consideration.

The formation of a new idea begins with the construction of a hypothesis. Hypothesis (Greek) hypothesis- basis, assumption) acts as a scientific assumption put forward to explain a phenomenon and requires experimental verification and technical justification. The criterion for a hypothesis is its testability.

In the process of forming a new idea, imagination plays a direct role. Imagination is the creation of new images, occurring in a visual sense, as well as the transformation and processing of perceptual data and other material from past experience, resulting in a new idea.

Imagination is very closely related to intuition and insight.

Intuition (lat. intueor - I look closely, carefully) represents the ability to directly, as if suddenly, without logical thinking, find the correct solution to a problem. An intuitive solution arises as an internal insight, enlightenment of thought, revealing the essence of the issue being studied.

Insight is the awareness of a solution to a problem. Subjectively, insight is experienced as an unexpected insight, comprehension. At the moment of insight itself, the solution is seen very clearly. However, this clarity is often short-lived and requires conscious fixation of the decision.

According to I.T. Balabanov, to find an innovative idea, the following methods are most effective: trial and error, test questions, brainstorming, morphological analysis, focal objects, synectics, seven-fold search strategy, theory of solving inventive problems. There are other methods for finding new ideas.

Trial and error method. Its essence lies in the consistent promotion and consideration of all possible ideas for solving a specific problem. At the same time, every time an unsuccessful idea is discarded and a new one is put forward in its place; there are no rules for finding the right idea and evaluating it.

Test question method - it is essentially a refined trial and error method. Questions are asked based on a pre-designed questionnaire. Each question is a test (a series of tests).

Brainstorming method consists of a collective consideration of a specific problem in order to select the most successful of the generated ideas. This method, also known as “brainstorming”, “conference of ideas”, was proposed by the American scientist A. Osborne in 1955. The brainstorming method is based on the following principles.

1. Two groups of people participate in solving the problem: idea generators and experts. Idea generators are people with creative thinking, imagination and certain knowledge in the field of science, technology and economics. Experts are usually people with a lot of knowledge and a critical mind, playing the role of analysts.

2. There are no restrictions when generating ideas. The ideas expressed are usually recorded in a protocol, on a computer, on magnetic tape, etc. The generation of ideas is carried out in conditions where criticism is prohibited and, on the contrary, any obviously ridiculous idea is encouraged.

3. The philosophical basis of brainstorming is the theory of 3. Freud. Under normal conditions, human thinking and behavior are determined mainly by consciousness, in which control and order reign. But through the thin crust of consciousness every now and then “dark, elemental forces and instincts raging in the subconscious” break through. These forces push a person to act illogically, to violate prohibitions, and to have irrational thoughts.

The main advantage of the brainstorming method is the prohibition of criticism. But the ban on criticism is also a weakness of brainstorming. To develop an idea, you need to identify its shortcomings.

When solving problems, the number of people, both generators and experts, usually does not exceed six people, the duration of the assault is no more than 20 minutes.

Method of morphological analysis was proposed by the Swiss astronomer F. Zwicky in 1942. The term morphological (Greek. morph- form) means outer pitchfork. The essence of this method is the combination in a single system of methods for identifying, designating, counting and classifying all intended options for any function of the innovation under consideration.

Morphological analysis consists of six successive stages:

Stage 1 - problem formulation:

Stage 2 - problem statement;

Stage 3 - compiling a list of all characteristics of the surveyed (alleged) product or operation;

Stage 4 - compiling a list of possible solution options for each characteristic. This list is summarized in a multidimensional table called the “morphological box”.

In the simplest case, when implementing the morphological analysis method, a two-dimensional morphological map is drawn up: two most important characteristics of the product are selected, a list of all possible forms of influence or alternatives is generated for each of them, then a table is built, the axes of which are these lists. The cells of such a table correspond to options for solving the problem under study. The total number of options in the morphological box is equal to the product of the number of elements on the axes;

Stage 5 - analysis of combinations of identified properties;

Stage 6 - selection of the best combination of properties.

Focal object method was first proposed in 1926 and subsequently significantly improved by Charles Wyoming in the mid-50s. XX century This method is based on the intersection of features of randomly selected objects on the object being improved, which lies in the focus of transfer and is called the focal object.

The sequence of application of this method:

1. Selecting focal objects (product or operation).

2. Selecting three or more random objects at random from a dictionary, catalog, book, etc.

3. Compiling a list of characteristics of random objects.

4. Generating an idea by adding features of random objects to the focal object.

5. Development of random combinations through free associations.

6. Evaluating the ideas received and selecting useful solutions. Synectics is a method of searching for ideas in the process of attacking a problem that has arisen by specialized groups of professionals using various types of analogies and associations. The term “synectics” literally translated from Greek means “combination of heterogeneous elements.” The method was proposed by the American scientist W. Gordon in the mid-50s. XX century and is based on the principles of brainstorming. However, W. Gordon emphasized the need for preliminary training of groups of specialists, the use of special techniques, and a certain organization of the solution process.

Solving a problem using the synectics method means looking at it from a new point of view, turning off psychological inertia.

The following types of analogies are used in synectics: direct, personal, symbolic. Direct analogy means that the new product or operation under consideration is compared to more or less similar products or operations. A personal analogy involves a problem solver modeling a new product or operation in an attempt to discover what personal sensations or feelings arise in the buyer of that new product or operation. A symbolic analogy is a kind of generalized view. The simplest symbolic analogy can be considered an ordinary economic-mathematical model.

Sevenfold Search Strategy involves choosing the right idea by searching for it sequentially in seven stages proposed by the Riga engineer G.Ya. Bush in 1964

1. Analysis of the formulated problem.

2. Analysis of the characteristics of known analogues of new products or operations.

3. Formulation of the general idea, as well as the tasks that need to be included in the development of innovation.

4. Selection of fundamental ideas - possible innovative ideas are generated, they are analyzed using heuristics, and the optimal ideas are selected. Heuristics (from Greek. heurisko- I find) is a set of logical techniques and methodological rules for theoretical research and search for truth.

5. Control of ideas.

6. Select one practically applicable idea from the list.

7. Translation of the chosen idea into innovation.

Method of the theory of solving inventive problems(TRIZ) is an improved algorithm for solving inventive problems, first developed by engineer G.S. Altshuller in the late 1940s.

TRIZ consists of nine stages (parts).

1. Analysis of a problem is a transition from a vague inventive situation to a clearly constructed and extremely simple diagram (model) of the problem.

2. Analysis of the problem model. At this stage, the available material-field resources are taken into account, which can be used in solving the problem: resources of space, time, substances and fields. Substance-field resources (SFR) are substances and fields that already exist or can be easily obtained according to the conditions of the problem. VPR can be intra-system (tools, products, etc.), extra-system (environment, magnetic fields, etc.), supra-system (waste, very cheap foreign elements, the cost of which can be neglected).

3. Determination of the ideal final result and (or) crisis solution and physical contradiction.

4. Mobilization and use of VPR. If this stage leads to solving the problem, then you can immediately move on to the seventh stage.

5. Application of the information fund - the use of experience concentrated in the TRIZ information fund. including standards, descriptions of techniques, experimental results, descriptions of various phenomena, etc.

6. Change and (or) replacement of the task. Simple problems are solved by overcoming a physical contradiction, for example, by separating contradictory properties in time and space. Complex problems are solved by changing the meaning of the problem - by removing the initial restrictions caused by psychological inertia and before solving those that seem self-evident. The process of solving a problem is essentially a process of correcting it.

7. Analysis of a method for eliminating a physical contradiction. At this stage, the quality of the received answer is checked, the actual progress of the solution is compared with the theoretical one established in TRIZ. The physical contradiction must be eliminated almost perfectly (“without anything”).

8. Application of the received answer: search for a universal solution key to many other similar problems.

9. Analysis of the progress of the solution. This stage is aimed at increasing a person’s creative potential.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION Federal state budgetary educational institution of higher professional education
"TYUMEN STATE UNIVERSITY"
Financial and Economic Institute
Department of Management, Marketing and Logistics
Methods for searching for innovative ideas and their
characteristic
Performed:
3rd year student
Directions of State Medical University
Group 26GMU133
Egorova M.V.

Innovation is characterized as innovation,
in the field of technology, technological processes,
organization management based on
achievements of science and progress. Concerning
ideas, then an idea is a unique idea that
has a specific purpose and social
need. From the above
definitions it follows that most new
ideas contain innovative elements.

Goal: to study methods of searching for innovative
ideas and their characteristics.
To achieve the goal
it is necessary to solve a number of problems:
consider the concept and essence
innovative idea;
analyze sources of innovation
ideas;
study methods of searching for innovative
ideas;

The object of study of this work
are methods of searching for innovative
ideas.
Subject – process of improvement
search for innovative ideas.
Research methods:
collection of information;
synthesis and analysis of information.

An innovative idea is a concept of change in
any area of ​​human life, aimed
to achieve results in public life.
The main features of an innovative idea
are, firstly, its compliance
modern
modernized
to the world,
which develops in all spheres of society; in
- secondly, the demand in these areas
life. Only in these cases does the idea become
innovative.

Sources of innovative ideas

Methods for searching for innovative ideas

With a certain degree of convention, they can be
divided into three categories:
Methods of psychological activation of thinking.
Methods of systematic search.
Directed search methods.

The most famous methods of psychological activation: Brainstorming method

The main feature of this method is
division of participants into “generators” and critics, and
also the distribution of the process of generating and criticizing ideas
in time.

Reverse brainstorming

The process of this method is divided into 3 stages:
The first stage is identifying the shortcomings of the object. Based
shortcomings should be formulated tasks.
The second and third stages usually involve the “brain-brain” method.
assault."

Shadow Brainstorm

This method is the process of organizing a collective
generating new ideas, It is developed primarily in
for the purpose of developing and training creative abilities.
Focal object method
The author of this method is Charles Whiting. He
is to combine in one subject
signs of different objects
Synectics
This method was developed by the American scientist William
Gordon. He believed that new ideas usually appear
based on analogies with natural phenomena or other
aspects of life.

The most well-known systematic search methods are:

Functional analysis

This method is an analysis that considers
object as a complex of functions it performs, and not as
material structures. Functional analysis
provides an opportunity to escape from a specific performance
object and focus on its functions. Search
implementation
functions
alternative
options
carried out with the aim of reducing costs and increasing
level of function execution.

Well-known directed search methods are:

Search design method
R. Collera
The method is based on three components:
analysis of technical elements and functions
systems;
classified fund of individuals
effects;
search program for new physical
principles of operation of the object and their
implementation.

Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ)

The theory is based on Heinrich's engineering theory
Altshuller. He believed that the use of the trial method and
mistakes when searching for new solutions to problems - unsuccessfully.
Altshuller established 40 standard techniques, which
suitable for solving most problems.
To apply this or that technique, you must:
1)
Define
view
tasks:
research
or
inventive.
2) Formulate a contradiction
3) Apply problem solving principles and techniques.

Conclusion

Thus, methods for searching for innovative ideas
have three categories: methods of psychological activation
thinking, systematic search methods, methods
directed search. In these categories there is
some of the most common and most effective
methods for searching for innovative ideas.
Using the above known methods, you can not
only to change any innovative idea, but also
find the most new effective innovative ideas,
who will develop innovation focused on
modern consumers.

In the big geopolitical game, in the center of which is the race of technologies, the winner is not the one who controls space, but the one who lives by the slogan “The future is today!” National security and priority positions in world markets depend on the possession of basic and critical technologies that force us to reconsider values ​​- they are inextricably linked with leading to the dramatic development of society.

In the business of the 21st century, innovative ideas have become a trend: new projects, tasks, research leading to unprecedented sources of income.

Innovative idea as a point of growth

Innovation is a set of innovations in the field of engineering, technology, management or labor organization based on scientific achievements. In other words, this is a set of ideas that are an innovative product of the mental activity of both highly qualified specialists and people with liberated, open-minded thinking.

When an idea, as a mental prototype of an object, phenomenon, or action, begins to influence the technological development of society, it becomes innovative. Its implementation ensures qualitative and quantitative growth of production, business process or the creation of a new industry/service. A project like this is worth investing time and money into.

An innovative idea can become the seed or catalyst of a breakthrough project with global market potential. Such projects reorganize or close old ones and create new markets for products with extremely high added value. They foster innovative thinking in society, overcoming the insensitivity of the majority of the population to the rapid pace of progress.

Such a point of growth at one time was the “explosion” of startups in the Stanford Industrial Park, located in Silicon Valley. The embryo turned out to be a group of employees at Shokley Semiconductor, founded by the inventor of the transistor, William Shockley. They laid the foundation for their unique developments in the electronics company Fairchild, which, in turn, founded a number of powerful companies. A “snowball” of newly formed firms led to an avalanche-like emergence and spread of information technologies. It was the 65 new businesses born of eight former Shockley employees that formed the basis of Silicon Valley. Such hubs of innovation are now emerging all over the world.

Business incubators are also sources of innovative ideas: their goal is to transform generated knowledge into applied results that stimulate economic growth.

An innovative idea as an expression of individuality

A significant point in the development of technology was the creation and distribution of 3D printers, which make it possible to copy and recreate any thing, even parts of the human body. A tempting and at the same time frightening possibility of total copying has appeared.

But each person is unique, and therefore strives to create something new, unique, special. The 21st century is outgrowing the era of imitation and entering the competition for originality, so technology ceases to be only an applied sphere: it becomes a source of non-standard ideas and revolutionary technologies.

Vivid examples in terms of originality are Apple, Tesla Motors and Uber. Thus, the introduction of Macbooks, iPods, iPads, and iPhones raised Apple’s value from $2 billion in 1997 to $850 billion in 2017.
The development of an aesthetic and highly efficient electric car made it possible to create the Tesla company in 2003, whose turnover in 2016 was 7 billion, and its assets reached 23 billion. In 12 years, Tesla has grown to half the value of General Motors, founded in 1908.

The idea of ​​a five-minute taxi ride turned Uber into a $50 billion company in six years.

Sources and foundations of innovative ideas

Influential 20th-century management theorist Peter F. Drucker identified the following sources of innovation:

  • Changes in the external environment, structure and needs of production and markets;
  • Demographic changes, both local and global;
  • Human perception of needs, meaning of life;
  • Critical accumulation of new knowledge, leading to a qualitative leap.

The linear innovation model divides all innovations into two groups:

  1. Manufacturer innovation – here a person or business introduces something new to sell the innovation; this is the level of scientific research on;
  2. End-user innovation – where developments aim to create new products that meet changing needs.

In general, as noted by the famous roboticist Joseph F. Engelberger, it stands on three pillars:

  1. Recognized need;
  2. Qualified personnel with appropriate technology;
  3. Financial support.

The main generators of technical ideas are an engineer-inventor and a research physicist. Their activities are diverse: if one is able to create a new device from ready-made elements of knowledge, then the second questions the elements themselves and changes parts of the picture of the world.

From a technical idea, it becomes innovative when it is brought to industrial use and makes a profit. Therefore, the author must keep the following three points in mind:

  1. The value of an idea grows as it is commercialized and introduced to markets: the larger they are, the higher the cost of the idea itself;
  2. The risky cost of implementation falls on the shoulders of the financier.
  3. The author's royalty depends on the form of business and the size of the market.

So, let’s list the factors that contribute to the emergence of innovation:

  • Consumer demand and market needs;
  • Competition, struggle for maximum profit;
  • Image creation;
  • Solving problems that arise during business activities;
  • Desire to develop and implement knowledge;
  • Reorganization: the company sacrifices the core of its business for the sake of a new “cash calf”;
  • Scientific discoveries and knowledge transfer.

Intuition or orderliness: what methods of searching for innovative ideas include

It is a common belief that new discoveries in business happen by chance: you just need to constantly be on the lookout. Of course, intuition is a great help in choosing and analyzing a suitable idea, but not everyone has it.

How to conduct activities to search for the necessary innovations rationally? Here are the most well-known techniques for orderly searching for ideas.

  • Improvement of the prototype. The shortcomings of existing models are identified and ways to eliminate these shortcomings are sought.
  • Brainstorm. A group of people conducts a multidimensional analysis of the problem and generates a stream of thoughts and ideas, not shying away from the most fantastic solutions: criticism is prohibited here. As a result, the chances of finding the right approach increase.
  • Synectics. This is a collective motivated intellectual activity of a permanent group of specialists with a strong leader. It is an improved method of brainstorming in which criticism is allowed.
  • Eliminating deadlock situations using non-traditional methods, going beyond the limits of knowledge, accumulated experience and traditions. Often this method leads to the creation of new theories that are in conflict with the existing picture of the world.
  • Creation of morphological maps by a qualified group of developers, expanding the search area for a solution to the problem.

Innovative ideas as a base for startups: successfully implemented innovations

The main condition for finding an idea for a business is to move away from cliches and traditions. You cannot be hostage to one single business development strategy, even if it is the one that led to success.

An example of breaking the mold is the creation of a museum of the future in Dubai, in which robotic developments are visualized. Visitors interactively explore the fantastic possibilities of artificial intelligence and try to interact with robots. This liberates the thoughts of ordinary people, accustoming them to accept technological innovations. However, “designers of the future” no longer make money from technologies, but only from the ideas of these technologies.

Of course, there are truly breakthrough ideas, the implementation of which will lead to a qualitative technological leap and the creation of new markets. Let's list some of them.

  1. Great hopes are placed on voice platforms Alexa, Siri, etc.: they are seen as the technologies of the future. But whether a monopoly product will be created, whether the investment will pay off, whether consumers will believe in it or not - all this remains in question.
  2. 15 years ago, Skype became a landmark technology - the software that created free video communication throughout the world. Of course, then the prototype was improved - almost every country developed its own video messenger.
  3. Google experts are proclaiming an imminent breakthrough in the field of quantum computers, which will be able to make quantum samples in parallel mode. This will speed up problem solving by orders of magnitude compared to von Neumann computers.
  4. Based on machine learning technologies, Cambridge Consultants taught garbage cans to sort waste by type of origin using computer vision. Similar software for recognizing the type of garbage can be installed in smartphones.
  5. A startup from Britain, Grid Edge, has created a service that allows you to optimize energy costs by 25% using AI and cloud technologies.
  6. Startup Ecova (Retroficiency) has released an intelligent energy management platform that has saved 6 terawatt hours globally.
  7. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created optical materials that are only two atomic layers thick. An LED made from such a fiber can simultaneously serve as a photodetector. As a result of the use of such materials, power consumption is reduced and communication speed is increased. Silicon photonics will advance computer technology to new levels.
  8. A breakthrough in the development of photonic technologies for optical integrated circuits was made by Harvard scientists who developed a waveguide with a refractive index equal to zero.
  9. A compelling example of the use of scientific thought in a major technology industry is unmanned aircraft. Israel has become a monopolist in it - it supplies 41% of all drones to more than 50 countries.

But pioneering developments and implementations sometimes turn out to be prohibitively risky and expensive.

Thus, the Belarusian startup “Quantum Batteries” based on BSUIR, which is the owner of unique priority developments for the creation of solid-state batteries, still cannot find funding. They contain new principles for storing electrical energy in dielectrics, cheap and environmentally friendly materials such as aluminum oxides. The revolutionary approach is based on the use of paired electrons in a nanostructured dielectric to accumulate electricity. This is fundamentally different from the movement of ions in the electrolyte in lithium batteries.

The American startup “All-electron battery” from Stanford University and the Japanese startup “Battenice” Guala Technology are working on the same problem. The Japanese are already on the path to creating technology for mass production of solid-state batteries, and Quantum Scape Corp. attracted additional resources from Volkswagen.

At this time, the Belarusian startup, although it won the international open innovation competition InnoCentive, remained at the research stage - but it could lead to a green energy revolution!

A technical idea that has not progressed to the innovation stage is the discovery of “hot” superconductivity, which makes it possible to create powerful magnetic fields up to 10 Tesla at room temperatures (US Patent No. 6,570,224 B1), and therefore to develop neurocomputers, transmit electricity without loss, create new types of flying transport (WO 2008087496 A2 Magnetic levitation rope transport system).

Of course, a favorable business environment is necessary to implement ideas. For Elon Musk, who is changing the world before our eyes, the external environment in the form of the state initially helps to cultivate private initiative. His ideas become the basis of a pyramid of global business projects.

We have yet to create an economy that will generate and implement knowledge-intensive innovative ideas.

 

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