Sharing innovation at the University of Auckland Business School

Recently, we were invited to speak at the University of Auckland School of Business on our innovation and entrepreneurship experiences in the heavy engineering industry.

Invited by University of Auckland School of Business Professor Kenneth Husted, we presented on the practicalities of creating an innovation culture in the industrial reality of heavy engineering.

Here we were able to explain our role as the catalyst and coach for innovation for our member companies. Covering also the barriers we face with knowledge sharing and commitment between stakeholders. After much discussion, it was agreed that a shift in mindset and attitude of industry partners was necessary to see a transformational change in the industry.

If anything, this exercise brought clarity to our role. Confirming the need to continue with our message of innovation and our efforts within our industry. Through this review process, many of our initiatives and strategies were also commended in bridging social communication gaps with stakeholders.

However, several ideas were also put forward to develop a greater initiative. One of those being to start a new ‘HERA 2.0’ era of knowledge sharing sessions for new technologies such as virtual reality and success stories showcasing membership benefit potential. Embracing the notion of ‘open innovation’ we also see a pathway to open the research process up to members to come up with ideas on how and what they would like to see us do to assist them.

A ‘hackathon’ was proposed where participants would be encouraged to share innovative solutions to problems for all to gain new insights into how things can be done differently.

A similar ‘hear’ process was also suggested. Which is a more formal engagement initiative where all issues from industry players not accepting more futuristic processes could be addressed through formal conference or workshops.

Ultimately this would seek to align industry with our vision to be a more innovative heavy engineering group. Who knows, we might just take to some of these ideas!