We can’t ignore the fact that Open Innovation has become a critical component within the innovation framework of top companies. The challenge you now face is fueling your innovation engine in this less-than-optimal climate!

Join Cheryl Perkins as she teams up once again with Management Roundtable and PDMA for the upcoming 11th annual CoDev2012: Achieving Higher OI Returns while Managing Risk, Cost and Uncertainty.

This premiere open innovation forum takes place February 13 – 15, 2012 in La Jolla, Calif. For a limited time, we are offering a special flexible team discount so that you can bring your internal teams and partners to the table.

Call 1.800.338.2223, or reserve your place online!

This year’s program will include even more inspiring keynote presentations, how-to case studies, facilitated Q&A and group learning sessions as well as multiple venues to network and assemble your own open innovation network for future learning and collaboration.

Check out these open innovation ambassadors presenting at CoDev2012.

In addition, we’ll be offering 4 brand new half-day workshops on the topics of Evolving New OI Business Models, Innovation Talent Management, Open Innovation Metrics and Implementing Complex Deal Structures for OI Success.

Don’t forget you’ll also network with several hundred top leaders of open innovation, continuous improvement, R&D and product development from a cross section of industries including aerospace, medical devices, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, biotech, oil & gas, electronics, hi-tech, defense and more.

If you are looking for the most up-to-date practitioner based content on open innovation, CoDev2012 promises to once again deliver on all fronts. I am looking forward to meeting you personally as we discuss current and future trends in open innovation and how you can capitalize on them to gain more value from your open innovation investments.

Join Cheryl Perkins and Pat Clusman in China for the Innovation Best Practices For Consumer Industry. The event will take place March 1-2, 2012 at the CII Innovation Center, Shanghai.

China Institute for Innovation is a consulting and academic organization established specifically to help Chinese companies, multinational organizations and government
agencies to meet the needs for world-class expertise in innovation.
CII is a leading innovation education, training, research, and networking institute in China. CII offers a wide variety of programs to help people at all levels and in all roles to understand and master the principles and practices of innovation, to help their organizations succeed in the innovation- driven economy.

Click on this image for more information:

Join InnovationEdge in China for the Making Innovation Work: Success from Within and Outside.  The event will take place February 27 and 28, 2012 at the CII Innovation Center, Shanghai.

Cheryl Perkins and Pat Clusman lead participants through wiring together your business, marketing and innovation strategies,  by identifying and applying the key focal areas of Innovation, from business strategy to customer experience.

China Institute for Innovation is a consulting and academic organization established specifically to help Chinese companies, multinational organizations and government
agencies to meet the needs for world-class expertise in innovation.
CII is a leading innovation education, training, research, and networking institute in China. CII offers a wide variety of programs to help people at all levels and in all roles to understand and master the principles and practices of innovation, to help their organizations succeed in the innovation- driven economy.

Click on this image for more information:

The TENTH annual conference on Co-Development and Open Innovation: Accessing Networks & Knowledge to Create Business Value will take place in Scottsdale, Arizona from January 24-26, 2011 at the brand new Talking Stick Resort.

You can expect to hear from and network with top open innovation thought leaders and advanced practitioners across multiple industries on questions that are challenging early open innovation adopters.

Join conference chair and Innovationedge president Cheryl Perkins and team at the event this year. Register

Cheryl Perkins, founder and president and Jeff Lindsay, director of solution development, will present at the Sustainable Plastics Packaging conference on December 8 at the Westin Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Sustainable Plastics Packaging conference, organized by Plastics News Global Group, is coming to North America for the first time this year. The conference, previously held in Europe, explores the environmental challenges facing users and producers of plastics packaging and identify innovative solutions that meet demanding sustainability and economic criteria.

Perkins and Lindsay will present at 3:45 p.m. on the first day of the conference. Their session, Sustainable plastics: Challenges in protecting innovation & design, will explore the key intellectual property trends for sustainable plastics and proactive steps companies can do to protect advances.

More

Time: Wednesday, November 10, 2010: 8:30 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Salt Palace Convention Center, Grand Ballroom G, Salt Lake City, UT
Chair: Jeff Lindsay, Director of Solution Development, Innovationedge, Neenah, WI
Co-Chair: Ken Horton, Gore School of Business, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT

Schedule of Papers and Abstracts:
8:30 AM, Paper #406A, “Business Development, IP, and Manufacturing Success: Perspectives From Utah’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership” by David Sorensen, Executive Director of Utah’s Manufacturing Extension Program. (See biographical information below.)

Abstract: The Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Utah has assisted many companies in strengthening their strategy for success and continued growth. We will discuss what it takes to advance your business, including lessons relative to leadership, vision, intellectual property, and coping with changing regulations and policies.

9:10 AM, Paper #406b, “The Role of IP in Successful Startups,” Mike Alder, Director of Technology Transfer, Brigham Young University.

Abstract: Many AIChE members will be involved with a startup at some point in their career. While the capabilities of the management team is of utmost importance, in numerous cases, the success of the startup also depends on the quality of its intellectual property. In this era, an IP-savvy team can take several steps to secure competitive advantage and realize greater value from the technology, products, or services the company offers. This presentation will draw upon experience with many startups and startup teams and will provide guidance to researchers, business leaders, and future entrepreneurs on how to better prepare for success.

9:45 AM, Paper #406c, “An Introduction to IP Law: The Underpinnings of Intellectual Assets,” Ken Horton, Kirton & McConkie, Salt Lake City, UT

Abstract: An understanding of the basics of intellectual property law can help chemical engineers in advancing their own research, in evaluating competitive efforts, in building their own business, or in general advancing their career. This presentation will cover some of the key concepts that engineers should know, including the nature of patents, the different kinds of patents (provisional, utility, design), the role of trademarks and copyrights, what it takes to be patentable, and how changes in patent law may affect your career and business.

10:20 AM, Paper #406d, “Cost-Effective Pursuit of IP in a Down Economy,” by Jonathan Lee

Abstract: How does one get the most protection and benefit from intellectual property when the economy is down? How can patents and other forms of intellectual property be obtained in a cost effective manner when budgets are tight? In this presentation, an experienced patent attorney shares insights into cost effective IP with guidance directed to managers, research leaders, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

Biographical information:

David Sorensen
Mr. Sorensen has over 35 years of experience in a wide variety of technical and managerial assignments requiring comprehensive knowledge in several disciplines relating to engineering, manufacturing, information technology and business systems. He has been directly responsible for major contracts with industry and government agencies and has a proven record of technical competence, customer relations, and business planning in rapidly expanding technical companies. Mr. Sorensen has held increasingly responsible positions in product and service organizations. He is innovative, resourceful, and aggressive in accomplishing assigned responsibilities with major strengths in strategic planning, marketing and management. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science and a Masters in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Brigham Young University.

Since 1995 he’s been the Director of the Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP-Utah), serving primarily the 6,200 manufacturers in the state of Utah. MEP-Utah was selected to initiate and manage the NIST Information Technology Network for over 60 MEP Centers nationwide. Mr. Sorensen is also a BYU adjunct faculty member and the Associate Dean of Technology, Trades and Industry at Utah Valley State College. With a staff of 18, in one year MEP-Utah helped create or save 2,719 jobs in Utah, increased manufacturing sales by more than $121 million and increased employee payroll by more than $84 million.

He’s been the Chairman & CEO for Echo Solutions, a start-up software products and services company; Executive VP of Eyring Research Institute; General Manager of EG&G Services; Director of Engineering at EG&G Idaho Inc.; Manager of Architect Engineering and Construction at Aerojet Nuclear Company and Manager of Power Generation Equipment at Bunker Ramo. He also has experience with GE’s Nuclear Instrumentation as a Senior Applications Engineer, and in engineering positions at Kennecott Copper, Intermountain Industries, and F.C. Torkelson Engineers.

Michael Alder
Mike is Director of Technology Transfer at Brigham Young University, where his work has been nationally recognized by BusinessWeek and others for their success. Mike is also Chair of the Board for WestCAMP Inc. where he has also chaired the National Centers of Excellence (NCOE), a division of WestCAMP. Mike is formerly the CEO of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama. He was also a Venture Partner with Redmont Venture Partners, Inc. He has been heavily involved in the founding of Tranzyme, Inc.; Vaxin, Inc.; Folia, Inc.; Chlorogen, Inc.; Allvivo, Inc. and Cr3, Inc. All but one of these are biotechnology companies (Folia produces specialty biopolymers).

Mr. Alder has 30 years of experience in leading technology-based startup companies. He was previously CEO of Emerging Technology Partners in Birmingham, Alabama from 1997 to 2003. Prior to coming to Alabama in 1994 he co-founded the Grow Utah Fund that focused on creating technology-based businesses. In 1989 he was asked by the Utah Governor to head the State’s Office of Technology Development, which he did for 5 years as its Executive Director, helping bring Utah’s Centers of Excellence programs to national prominence. In 1973 he founded NPI, a plant biotechnology company in Salt Lake City, Utah and served as President, COO and Vice Chairman of that company for 15 years as it grew to over 700 employees.

Ken Horton
Ken Horton is a member of Kirton & McConkie‘s Intellectual Property Practice Section in Salt Lake City. His practice includes domestic and foreign patent prosecution, patent opinions, intellectual property litigation (including both state and federal court actions), domestic and foreign trademark prosecution, trademark opinions, copyrights, trade secrets, intellectual property evaluations and due diligence, as well as technology and intellectual property agreements. Mr. Horton has extensive experience in both pharmaceutical and semiconductor technologies. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of intellectual property law and strategy, speaking both at the 2007 and 2010 A.I.C.H.E. annual conferences and the 2009 A.C.S. annual conference. Additionally, Mr. Horton is an Associate Professor in these topics in the MBA Technology Management Program at the Gore School of Business of Westminster College.

Jonathan Lee
Jonathan Lee is a registered patent attorney and a member of the Utah State Bar practicing at ALG (AdvantEdge Law Group). His practice focuses on adding real-world value to companies, both large and small, by acquiring, securing, and protecting intellectual property rights.

Mr. Lee has prepared and successfully prosecuted hundreds of patent applications throughout his career, primarily in the electrical, electro-mechanical, and computer engineering fields. He currently helps a number of Fortune 1000 companies manage and develop their domestic and worldwide patent portfolios. He also regularly counsels clients in other aspects of intellectual property law, including litigation, licensing, and opinion work, as well as due diligence examinations, copyrights and trademarks, and patent reexamination proceedings.

Prior to joining ALG, Mr. Lee worked for nationally recognized law firms in Washington, D.C. and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mr. Lee was recently selected as a Mountain States Rising Star by Super Lawyers, a peer-reviewed publication.

Cheryl is the featured keynote speaker for the 2010 Midwest Chapter Society of Cosmetic Chemists (MWSCC) Technical Symposium. The event’s theme is “INNOVATION: Seeking inspiration from new sources.”

MWSCC was founded in 1945 and has more than 4,000 members who work to focus and promote the exchange of ideas and new developments in cosmetic research and technology.

Cheryl will be moderating a “Birds of a Feather” session, which will explore open innovation, at “FutureMediaFest 2010″ in Atlanta, GA. The event is hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology and provides an “interactive mash-up of talent, ideas, trends and technology.” Attendees will be able to speak with investors, interactive marketing experts, network and experiment with real-time open innovation.

For more information, visit http://www.futuremediaglobal.com

Cheryl Perkins and other thought leaders will participate in the ‘International Thought Leaders” webinar on June 9, 2010 in conjunction with the Innovation Management Course, which will be held in Toronto on June 16 & 17, 2010.

Join Cheryl Perkins in Atlanta, GA from May 2-5 at PaperCon 2010.

REGISTER

Cheryl Perkins will provide a strategic workshop to Sheboygan Area SHRM human resources professionals at their half day workshop on April 15, 2010.

Cheryl Perkins and other thought leaders in innovation joined to discuss open innovation at NESTA‘s Open for Business Conference panel on April 8, 2010 in London, UK.

The entire morning session can be viewed here.

From the pre-conference workshops designed to give you a quick immersion in skills and tools, to the roster of thought-leading keynote speakers and the wide range of case presentations, this event has it all. The biggest challenge for most attendees will be deciding where they’ll spend their time, and who will they try to connect with during networking times.

Now I really want to spend a moment with an open message to anyone still sitting on the fence about CoDev2010.  Success in business and life is usually about the decisions we make, and I want you to be fully informed before you decide to attend CoDev2010. If you decide not to attend, here are some of the some things you’re missing out on:

• Access to global leaders in open innovation for advice, education, and practical how-to’s on approaches, skills, organization structures, technology and more.
• Opportunities to get direct answers to your most challenging issues from some of the most experienced practitioners on the planet
• Great opportunities for networking, whether you’re a manufacturer or marketer looking for coaches to get you started, or consultants trying to reach your market.
• Opportunities for advancing your benchmarking efforts by connecting with peers who may be further down a similar path.
• A down-loadable executive summary as well as a complete reference binder of all the materials presented.

Are you convinced yet that this is an event you can’t afford to miss? What’s the ROI of something essential to the future vitality of your organization? If you’re still unsure whether CoDev2010 is a smart use of your time and money, here are a few more benefits attendees will receive:

• Learn about key strategies for implementing a corporate global open innovation initiative
• Discover how to recognize and foster the types of skills required to make your open innovation initiatives successful.
• Witness the steps taken at Whirlpool to transition from embedded innovation to open innovation.
• Find out how IBM enables a more rapid, aggressive innovation capability among its partners within its Global Innovation Outlook Program.
• See how others have reinvented their open innovation models in the face of changing business ecosystems and difficult-to-identify potential business partners
• Get an early look at Georgia Institute of Technology’s plans to foster an open innovation environment that invites ideas and experimentation while also engendering trust, lasting relationships and mutually rewarding results within its Future Media Initiative.
• Learn how you could structure a win/win collaborative partnership with universities, federal labs and research centers.
• Last, but this can’t be forgotten, learn how to measure the success of your open innovation efforts

I hope this has helped to whet your appetite for the kind of learning that can help power meaningful change through your organizations. The challenges to be adept at open innovation are many. But the rewards, especially in an economy that promises more dynamic change in the coming years, continue to beckon. I encourage you to make the commitment to be part of the force of change propelling your organization to the front of your industry.

The experience is right around the corner. See you all in Scottsdale!

That’s just one of the many comments I’m  hearing today from our participants at CoDev ’09 (8th Annual Congress on Open Innovation and Co-Development) last month! The conference is sponsored by Management Roundtable (MRT) and the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA).

I was so honored to personally connect with so many attendees. Of course it’s always great to be in Scottsdale, Ariz., in the middle of winter.

I was especially excited to be back chairing this great event, which was titled,  Building Open Innovation Capabilities for Higher Value Business Opportunities.

If you want to listen to any of the interviews I gave before and during the conference, click here:

Planning will soon be underway for ext year’s 2010 event, and if this year’s feedback is any indication, it’s a can’t-miss event:

“Many of the presenters are highly educated and accomplished and effectively share their knowledge.” (Bissell Homecare Inc.)

“Helps to open up your eyes on what is possible.” ( Pro Actuate)

“If you are new to Open Innovation, or if it is happening on an ad hoc basis in your organization, this conference helps you organize thoughts and provide structure to bank on power of Open Innovation.” (National Starch Food Innovation)

“If you have ‘innovation’ or ‘open innovation’ in your job title or in your job description you need to be at CoDev 2010. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert or a beginner, this conference is very relevant.” (Pure Insight)

Even though the economic forecasts continue to be dim for 2009, it was encouraging to see that leading companies consider open innovation and co-development efforts imperative at this time.  Together top experts and advanced practitioners of Open Innovation, Henry Chesborough and I gave high level insight and practical applications for how companies can foster environments that allow open innovation to thrive and integrate multiple business models to achieve greater returns on their open innovation investments.

We had great dialoge with these experts, including open innovation practitioners from General Mills, Weyerhaeuser, Sara Lee and Kraft Foods, P&G, The Clorox Company, Honeywell International,  HP Labs, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Burrill & Company  Booz & Company, WD-40, Cadbury,  R.J. Reynolds, JohnsonDiversey, Frito-Lay, UBS Investment Research,  Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, and many more.

Hope to see you next year!

Cheryl will be this year’s conference chair at the 8th Annual International Congress on Open Innovation and Co-Development. The conference is sponsored by Management Roundtable (MRT) and the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) and will be held from January 26-28, 2009, at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This year’s program, CoDev ’09: Building Open Innovation Capabilities for Higher Value Business Opportunities, will bring together top experts and advanced practitioners. They will discuss how companies can foster environments that allow open innovation to thrive and integrate multiple business models to achieve greater returns on their open innovation investments.

Prior to the conference, Cheryl is also conducting an interactive CODEV ’09 OPEN INNOVATION INTERVIEW SERIES where leading industry practitioners are discussing the value of open innovation and co-development.