We have seen the advancement of technology throughout time and undeniably, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or simply NASA has established its credibility as the prime ground for scientific authority in discovery and innovation. They have expanded our knowledge on what is out there in outer space and given us the admiration and dream that one day we would be the one in their position – the ones bringing the idea and discovery that would either make us famous or known in the history of science.
As time passes, the inevitable came – change. The only word that doesn’t change is the word itself and as it affects the agency, adaptation is necessary for it to survive. Why was it needed? Why would it be a game changer in the existing system and niche of the agency? What has open innovation done that it drastically became a big game-changer in the field of science and discovery?
SLSD and Introduction of Open Innovation
The following statements and in-depth analysis would be purely based on the readings from case studies by Michael Tushman, Hila Lifshitz-Assaf and Kerry Herman (2014.) Open innovation simply means a non-traditional approach to knowledge creation and innovation. In a more conclusive definition, it just means seeking ideas from other people or resources not directly connected to the organization that is seeking the idea.
The Space Life Sciences Directorate (SLSD) comes up with this idea due to the budget constraints that have been experienced over time. Change is really affecting them and they need to adapt and evaluate their strategy while maintaining the core of the organization. Then, the solution they came up with was to help from around the world to solve problems and to provide input ideas to the problems they are publishing.
The Weigh-In to Its Pros and Cons
Undeniably, resistance is always there whenever a change is going to happen. That is always just a constant factor and not merely a variable to be ignored. The pro is that it is a viable way for like-minded people to contribute something to science, especially to those aspirants who think that they cannot reach their dream. Global knowledge can be resourceful and sometimes, there are always ideas that NASA cannot have because, let us face it, although scientists and professionals work there, they can still be blinded as to other knowledge and facts around them. Discovery is endless and its possibility is infinite
Yes, there is a lack of acceptance of change within the agency, but as the constraint of budget cut delimits their capabilities, they badly need the external resources just to make it feasible for the majority. Job loss and cost-cutting is radical, but in the long run, many would benefit from it. Indifference and insecurity can be seen as others might see it as an insult to their career because they may feel that they are not good for the job itself.
Seeing the Bigger Picture in this Strategy
As much as everyone should accept this, the discovery of scientific knowledge is essential in every aspect of our universe. It is unforgiving in a dramatic sense. There are great minds around the world and NASA should really consider it. The world is full of mysteries and asking for outsider ideas and solutions for their questions is really great for every aspiring young scientist out there.
References
Tushman, M., Lifshitz, A. & Herman, K. (2014). Houston we have a problem: NASA and
open innovation (a). Retrieved from http://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/
item.aspx?num=47334
