Title: Innovation management through the use of diversity networks

Authors: Peter Bednar, Christine Welch, Vasilios Katos

Addresses: School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Buckingham Building, Portsmouth, PO1 3AE, UK. ' Department of Strategy & Business Systems, Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3DE, UK. ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi 67100, Greece

Abstract: A methodology for innovation and analysis in a context of complex problem spaces is presented, introducing the idea of a diversity network. The methodology draws upon a framework which puts |complexification| into systemic practice. Such an application helps individual participants to outline their narratives, create and agree upon categories, and use these to classify their narratives. Clusters of narratives, reflecting innovation through diversity networks of opinion and competences, are encouraged to emerge in analytical practice. This approach can be applied to promote creativity and sharing in a knowledge management context.

Keywords: diversity networks; complex methods; multi-valued logic; innovation management; narratives; narrative clusters; opinions; competences; knowledge management; knowledge sharing; creativity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2008.022056

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2008 Vol.4 No.4, pp.357 - 369

Published online: 17 Dec 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article