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Investment in Open Innovation Service Providers: NASA's Innovative Strategy for Solving Space Exploration ChallengesIn an effort to expand routes for open communication and create additional opportunities for public involvement with NASA, Open Innovation Service Provider (OISP) methodologies have been incorporated as a tool in NASA's problem solving strategy. NASA engaged the services of two OISP providers, InnoCentive and Yet2.com, to test this novel approach and its feasibility in solving NASA s space flight challenges. The OISPs were chosen based on multiple factors including: network size and knowledge area span, established process, methodology, experience base, and cost. InnoCentive and Yet2.com each met the desired criteria; however each company s approach to Open Innovation is distinctly different. InnoCentive focuses on posting individual challenges to an established web-based network of approximately 200,000 solvers; viable solutions are sought and granted a financial award if found. Based on a specific technological need, Yet2.com acts as a talent scout providing a broad external network of experts as potential collaborators to NASA. A relationship can be established with these contacts to develop technologies and/or maintained as an established network of future collaborators. The results from the first phase of the pilot study have shown great promise for long term efficacy of utilizing the OISP methodologies. Solution proposals have been received for the challenges posted on InnoCentive and are currently under review for final disposition. In addition, Yet2.com has identified new external partners for NASA and we are in the process of understanding and acting upon these new opportunities. Compared to NASA's traditional routes for external problem solving, the OISP methodologies offered NASA a substantial savings in terms of time and resources invested. In addition, these strategies will help NASA extend beyond its current borders to build an ever expanding network of experts and global solvers.
Document ID
20100011143
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fogarty, Jennifer A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Rando, Cynthia
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Baumann, David
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Richard, Elizabeth
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Davis, Jeffrey
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2010
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
IAC-10.D3.4
JSC-CN-20098
JSC-CN-21611
Meeting Information
Meeting: 61st International Astronautical Congress
Location: Prague
Country: Czech Republic
Start Date: September 27, 2010
End Date: October 1, 2010
Sponsors: International Astronautical Federation
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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