Ivan’s research paper Linking constraints in idea generation theory with standardisation in product and service innovation focuses on company standardisation and, from a company’s point of view, external standardisation. His paper shows how standardisation can enhance innovation with a focus on the creativity part of the innovation process. Ivan wrote this paper as part of the course Innovation and Standardisation management offered by Henk de Vries, professor of Standardisation Management.
A solid contribution to standardisation and innovation
Addressing the typical fuzzy front end of the innovation process, Ivan’s paper argues that fuzziness hinders rather than helps the generation of ideas. His research finds that standards provide structure, and his paper makes use of the theory of constraints (Acar et al., 2018) to argue that standards may form three categories of constraints, and that each of these may impact innovation via three routes: motivational, cognitive and social.
Supporting science and research organisations
Not only does Ivan explain in his research paper how standardisation contributes to innovation, but he also turns the existing argument against standardisation on its head. Many people in the research and innovation community find it hard to believe that standards can benefit innovation, because standards mean constraints, which hinder creativity. Although Ivan understands this line of thinking, he convincingly shows how standards may enhance creativity and how standardisation can increase idea generation. In that way, more space is created for innovation.
Ivan’s paper has been accepted for publication by the Journal of Standardisation. It can be read here.