GUEST POST from Arlen Meyers
Rheology is the study of flow. Information rheology is the study of how information passes from the sender to the receiver, the resistance to that flow, and how to address it.
Most discussions of innovation ecosystem creation and growth focus on the anatomy i.e. the components necessary to be successful. For example, one author describes the 5P’s of human capital:pillars, patrons, pioneers, professionals and partners.
However, equally as important is the physiology of clusters -how the cluster elements work together .One of the key determinants of an innovative organization or cluster is information rheology. There are three basic elements to the equation.
The first has to do with the number of nodes in the network, both internally and externally. Network theory tells us that the more nodes, the more value. Having one fax machine in the world added nothing. It took a lot to unleash the value , as the development of social media has exemplified.
The second has to do with how the nodes are connected. Some are robust and some are not.
Finally, and most importantly, the two previous parts are not nearly as important as the velocity, acceleration and lack of resistance to the flow of information from one node to the next. We usually refer to this as a cluster or innovation district being “user friendly” and is typified by the free and rapid flow of information from one place to the next. Malcolm Gladwell described facilitators in the process as mavens, experts and connectors.
There are many causes of poor information flow, but, fundamentally, they come down to :
1. The sender does not communicate effectively or in a an appropriate way
2. The receiver is unaware that the message was sent or does not understand it
3. The systems for transmitting information and verifying receipt are inadequate
4. Third party interference muddles the message
There are several kinds of intermediaries that facilitate information flow in an ecosystem.
Architects engage in strict agenda-setting and coordination activities
Gatekeepers support the knowledge extraction and dissemination of the information
Conductors take care of information acquisition, transmission, and task sharing
Developers create concrete assets for the network based on knowledge mobility
Auctioneers set the agenda and joint vision for the innovation networ
Leaders motivate and foster the voluntary collaboration and identifying roles of network members
Promoter support ecosystem members to work towards the same goal
Facilitator bring together quite different, even competing, parties to work together
Whether it is making clinical handoffs better or improving the flow of information in an ecosystem or cluster, the obstacles are substantial and the systems for preventing information flow blockage need to constantly be maintained, which can be costly and time consuming.
If you want to accelerate regional innovation clusters and communities, don’t concentrate so much on connecting the senders and receivers. Focus on removing the barriers to the flow of information and how to push and pull it through the pipes.
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