Even though a quarter of a century has passed since Clayton Christensen's The Innovator's Dilemma was first published, business leaders still find themselves confronted with the same problem. A profound disconnect too often exists between innovation development and business outcomes. Companies say they want the stimulus of innovation and even handsomely fund their in-house R&D. Yet when it comes time for a call to action, such as launching a new product or service, they often back away from the risk. Sadly, the American corporation's decision makers all too often decide to play it safe, and the innovation doesn't go into play at all.

In my thirty-five-year technology career, from academia, to my own start-ups, and to managing innovation in enterprise environments, I have encountered many large companies who have R&D collaborations with academia and with start-ups. Open innovation with academia and start-ups, the focal point of this book, is not new. Unfortunately, many of these collaborations do not result in true innovation. My book explores the ingredients of the secret sauce required to generate successful open innovation.

The Innovation Factory provides essential, practical guidance for all parties wishing to work toward successful collaborations that achieve innovation in its many aspects. Perhaps you have already launched some partnerships; if so, this book will help both of you make them more successful. Whether you have or have not, this is the only book you need to launch and partner in open innovation initiatives.