LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

Innovation Insight: How to Use Networks for a Better Innovation Strategy

Katherine Raleigh
Katherine Raleigh
Programme Manager | Tue 17 May
Share
Innovation Insight: How to Use Networks for a Better Innovation Strategy

It is well-known that collaboration is a key driver of creativity and innovation. But what sort of collaboration is optimal? KnowledgeBrief clients were joined this month by Professor Bruce Cronin, Greenwich Business School, to explore the strategic role of networks in innovation.

Social network analysis is the process of investigating social structures that – by relationships or interactions – connect people, departments, business functions and so on. However, social networks rarely look as we think they do. We think we are aware of our individual and organisational networks and how they work – but are we really?

Organisations must invest time to understand networks in order to improve their innovation strategy. A few key findings from this month’s Innovation Day include:

  • New knowledge is crucial for driving innovation: When networks are existing within constant groups, the information and knowledge within the group is also constant. Increase the potential of new ideas by getting people working together in different environments with different expectations.
  • Be strategic in the way your company handles networks: Research shows that organisations being strategic about their networks have more beneficial and stronger alliances. You can get a lot of extra collaboration and knowledge by adding only a few ties. Lack of a strong alliance networks can be detrimental to an organisation.
  • Connected vs well-connected: Different connections have different value. It is vital to have in mind that having lots of connections is not necessarily the same as having great influence. Organisations must also keep in mind that too much collaboration can have a negative effect. Do not redesign structure for the sake of ‘connecting’ more.
  • Be aware of your “brokers”: Brokers serve as bridges across a number of subgroups in a network (see the May Hot Topic for more information). Be aware what your brokers are doing and what positions they have in their relationships in the network, spot the skills they are likely to have, engage with them more effectively, and empower them more. Becoming aware of your brokers will also reveal structural gaps in the networks and opportunities for innovation.
  • Seek the strength of weak ties: The strong connections in networks are essential for collaboration and are to be nurtured. However, many companies over invest in strong ties and keep within the constant group or silo. Break the silo mentality by training people to seek weak ties and build up relationships with strategic groups that can add new knowledge, to help discover new opportunities for synergy.

Next month, clients – including Baxi, Home Office and Airbus – will explore the hidden story of persuasion. For more information, please view the Innovation Day page.

Related Post

Applying AI in the Workplace: Tools, Decision-Making, Human Judgement and Decision Support
Insight

Applying AI in the Workplace: Tools, Decision-Making, Human Judgement and Decision Support

AI is often presented as a fast route to better decisions, smarter work and efficiency. The evidence is more cautious. Organisations may invest heavily but still report limited business gains, partly because implementation needs more than technology alone (Reim et al., 2020). AI can support knowledge management by speeding up information collection and interpretation, but it struggles with tacit knowledge and can amplify problems in decision-making rather than reduce them (Trunk et al., 2020). This means responsibility does not disappear when AI is introduced. It shifts. Leaders and teams need transparency about how outputs are produced, literacy to choose appropriate applications, and training to interpret results responsibly. Cultural alignment also matters, because AI changes work practices and can trigger resistance and ethical concerns.

KB logo
Jay Dehaan

Wed 15 Apr

The importance of theory in coaching: A lifelong journey, not just a skill
Insight

The importance of theory in coaching: A lifelong journey, not just a skill

This question is understandable. Coaching is not just about acquiring a set of tools, it’s about developing a way of thinking, being, and relating to others. While practical application is essential, understanding the theoretical foundations of coaching is what sets truly transformational coaches apart.

KB logo
Abz Salloum

Thu 20 Feb

Expert Viewpoint: The Power of “Me-First” Leadership
Insight

Expert Viewpoint: The Power of “Me-First” Leadership

As an accomplished Business Coach and strategist with over 15 years of experience, Charlotte specialises in guiding businesses toward unparalleled profitability and sustainability. However, her approach goes deeper than standard coaching and consulting.

Charlotte Steel

Thu 21 May

Trusted by Over 700 Organisations
and More than 2,000 Learners

“The quality of support I have received from my coach has been extremely high. His coaching is considered, tailored and aligned to my personal experience, career stage as well as my day-to-day balancing of responsibilities. My apprenticeship has helped to bolster my confidence that I am taking a reasonable approach with some challenging clients.”

Liane Langdon

Director

Clarity Consulting Associates

“The apprenticeship with KnowledgeBrief was transformative, improving my leadership, strategic decisions, and confidence. I gained skills in planning, change management, financial acumen, and stakeholder engagement. Completing with distinction, I secured a new contract and expanded my consultancy.”

Sally Kee

Programme graduate

Grosvenor Health and Social Care

“The coaching course through KnowledgeBrief was well-structured, balancing theoretical and practical knowledge. The platform is easy to navigate, providing access to support and promoting a solid understanding of coaching fundamentals. The resources provided have been comprehensive.”

Sandra Ajidahun

Senior Talent Partner

Publicis Groupe

“KnowledgeBrief has great content and is detailed in the area I am developing in. The system is very clear and easy to use and navigate. Thanks to my Skills Coach for his support and guidance. I apply my course knowledge and experience, such as team performance, leadership styles, and the Eisenhower Matrix, to manage tasks effectively.”

Jonny Burrows

Assistant Manager

Cheltenham College

“The apprenticeship has greatly enhanced my understanding of strategic work and how different areas of the organisation operate. It has boosted my confidence to ask questions and take on senior-level tasks. Studying has pushed me out of my comfort zone, showing me my capabilities and improving my overall performance.”

Lauren Mitchell

HR Manager

Canterbury Oast Trust

“The support has been timely and professional and, since starting, I have increased my knowledge through the online platform and workshops. I'm covering subjects like business understanding, communication, and operational plans - which has boosted my confidence. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it.”

Jason Windsor

Operations Manager HVAC

DENSO Manufacturing UK Ltd

“As a result of this apprenticeship, I have gained confidence at work. I've developed key skills in project management, communication, and technical processes, and have improved my performance through focused feedback. I am now better prepared to contribute to the team's goals and tackle future challenges.”

Cristian Condurache

Software Engineering Team Lead

Reach

“I have seen positive work improvements using what I’ve learnt about leadership, communication, and decision-making. I highly recommend the easy-to-use KnowledgeBrief platform with visual progress tracking, extra resources, and valuable information.”

Sharon Boia

EHS Manager

Abcam

“This journey has strengthened my strategic vision, stakeholder management, team and organisational influencing skills, and, most importantly, my confidence in communication. The structured learning and the tailored guidance has proven invaluable in giving me direction and purpose as a senior leader.”

Sam Dykes

Accounts Manager

Milling International Marketing Ltd

“This course improved my performance by helping me create strategies, demonstrate values, develop my team, identify growth areas, and gain leadership principles like communication, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to strengthen their leadership abilities and make an impact.”

Linda Evans

UK Head of Product, Pricing & Marketing

Ferdinand Bilstein UK

Equip your employees with the skills to increase results

If you would like to discuss how we can create your Professional Training Programmes, please get in touch

Start conversation