How does an innovative idea become real in IBM?

At IBM we use the Managed Anarchy Model to get more innovation out of the pipeline

First an IBMer uses one of several internal applications to refine an idea Time boxed open discussion with large population Collection and collaboration on innovation suggestions from across the company. Mined for most highly rated and biggest potential impact Blogging application for internal IBM conversations

When the idea gels a prototype is created and put on TAP

TAP: Technology Adoption Program provides help and tools for innovators: hosting, publicizing, measuring

TAP: Technology Adoption Program is a place where early adopters try out and shape new concepts 150,000+ early adopters innovators

TAP’s success is IBM’s success

Some examples of our success

Blog Central publish, discuss and connect with others – moved from TAP to product 62K+ users 13K+ blogs 260K+ entries

SmallBlue visualizing your network – finding connections to a person through your connections – moved from TAP to Services

MediaLibrary enterprise-wide media sharing – moved from TAP to Infrastructure

Top 9 "lessons learned" 9. Create and nurture early adopter ecosystem ( e.g. TAP) 8. Carefully consider governance policies 7. Create a “sense of urgency” that the organization can rally around 6. Start small, grow fast - everywhere – pick a few visible projects 5. Transparency is important 4. Technology enables and hastens innovation 3. Can NOT over-emphasize the importance of culture ; this will make – or break -- you 2. Transform and innovate constantly or risk extinction – there is no other option 1. Always, always, always listen to your customers and your employees

“ It's not what work you expect Employee #123 to accomplish per person-month of work. “ It's the work you never expected would happen, that suddenly creates new business .”

Wordle is written by Jonathan Feinberg