Open innovation and the C-K method

The C-K method provides a structured approach to innovating that can stimulate science-based open innovation.

An A3 sized paper with writing on it sitting among pens and cups on a table with a white cloth. — Biosecurity Technology workshop.

The BNZIC researchers identified that some project development processes are likely to be more effective and efficient than others. While research in this space is still developing, it is apparent that having a structured and theoretically defendable approach to forming open innovation science teams is crucial.

One approach that the BNZIC team has examined in detail is the Concept-Knowledge (C-K) method which is new to the New Zealand science innovation system. This methodology has been applied extensively internationally in a variety of contexts, including companies with large R&D units, research centres, industrial clusters and inter-disciplinary science teams.

What is the C-K method?

The Concept-Knowledge or “C-K” method is a theory of reasoning for situations that require innovative approaches. It provides a structured framework to facilitate the design of new ‘objects’ based on existing sets of knowledge.

It is particularly effective in generating new ideas and challenging existing thinking or approaches, helping to overcome rigid adherence to prior knowledge and explore alternative solutions to problems or issues.

The C-K method creates opportunities for new and radical scientific knowledge by integrating it into the collaborative process from the start. This is achieved through the interdisciplinary interaction between creative concepts (possibilities yet to be proven) and existing knowledge (that which is already possible.

Quotes from a BNZIC researcher

“The process involves a skilled facilitator supporting people to explore what they know about a particular topic or area where you are trying to innovate. Much of it actually includes teaching people about the C-K process and what it is trying to do. The facilitator supports them to explore their ideas in great detail and to build knowledge maps of what they do know. Then they can support them to explore the other side which is the stuff that they don't know. This is where we get new ideas.“

“My experience of the C-K method was that it entailed a lot of structuring what we did know, and I think this is to avoid the fixation on one idea. For example, if you are building a chair, you might think it has to have four legs. And so, by mapping everything you know about a chair you are able to then identify that most chairs have legs, but from there you say say 'what if they didn't have legs'. It supports you to stay open. This is why the facilitator has to be quite skilful.“

How does the C-K method work?

C-K provides a structured framework that places creative thinking, learning, knowledge structuring, knowledge sharing, and innovation principles at its core. In other words, C-K controls for randomness and chance of innovation by making creative insight integral to the science-knowledge collaboration process. This approach creates numerous options that are made transparent and remain in play should they be needed.

This method uses a structured three-step approach that adapts to accommodate different types of participants e.g., technical experts, users, researchers, ‘lay’ stakeholders, and designers. At the end of the process, researchers will have a clear idea of not only whether their science is new and radical, but also whether it is commercialisable. This approach enhances efficiency by saving individual time and effort, enabling participants to make informed decisions about pursuing a project.

The C-K process represents a promising approach for delivering efficient and impactful science-based open innovation research programs. This approach holds potential for broader application within New Zealand's science innovation system.