AGILE INNOVATION: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF TEAM CLIMATE IN RAPID R&D

The ability to develop innovative solutions and products can be a major source of competitive advantage for organizations. This is particularly true for research and development (R&D) organizations, whose function is to produce new knowledge, processes and products. R&D organizations have increasingly turned from department-based or matrix structures to team-based structures to achieve greater innovation. Teams are thought to be particularly appropriate for projects requiring innovation because they incorporate the views, skills and expertise of a diverse range of members.

Teams researchers have examined a number of factors that are associated with high levels of team innovation, such as team composition, leadership, team processes and the organizational context. Such research has focused on levels of innovation as the primary dependent variable.

However, for innovative organizations, this is only part of the picture. Also critical is the speed of innovation. The value of new products and processes may be severely limited if they arrive too late to beat a competitor to the market.

To win, we need to have a team that has people who analyze market demands beforehand, prioritize needs correctly   and implement those demands efficiently with effective incremental delivery. Collective team effort is the key to success. Pool of people, who can implement chucks of the feature independently and in parallel though workings together, are always confident and self motivated.  Certain amount of competition and independence always brings out the best of a team member. In addition to technical knowledge, Exposure of team to market developments increases team focus, Time vs Cost knowledge increases team productivity and,  on the top of all healthy & supportive environment  keeps team motivated.