Open Innovation- Pros and Cons

With the availability and increase of open innovation web sites (Idea Connection , InnoCentive , Innovation Marketplace , Bulbstorm , NineSigma , Ideas4all ), it will be interesting to observe the outcomes from this leveling of the playing field for new ideas, new products and new technologies. Admittedly, the sites have some different functions. Some are simply idea post and respond for no to low cost to gather input from the web community of creative folks who enjoy reviewing ideas. Other sites are well-funded with a broker model (and associated fees) to make the desired connections. There is really something for everyone from the small inventor wanting feedback to the Fortune 500 company where open innovation is a key business strategy for new product/service development (Proctor and Gamble's own Connect and Develop is a great example). Here are some pro's and cons that you may feel free to comment and agree/disagree with. My perspective for these are related to the small enterprise clients I serve and not necessarily the large corporation where these may not apply. I am admittedly a little biased with what I call the "post and hope" model where innovation responsibility is abdicated to the web response received.

Pro's:

• Provides a lower hurdle to gather ideas from outside the organization
• Becomes easier to do with the availability of Internet sites and search techniques
• Taps into the collective creativity of others providing stimulus from others outside our field of expertise or biases.

Con's:

• Too much reliance on the web or others to drive your creativity
• May ignore lack of an internal process for gathering "low fruit" innovative ideas within your organization (i.e. product extensions, new markets for existing products, better articulated marketing messages)
• Creates an expectancy of "post it and they will come" mentality of thinking that the Internet "post" is the innovation and not just a tool in the toolbox for your internal process.