Abstract

From Concept to Reality: Overcoming Challenges in Large-Scale Research Projects with Strategic Innovation - A Case Study

1. Issues and Challenges:
Large-scale research projects at a midsized university faced significant hurdles, including resource constraints, competing priorities, and the need for sustained innovation. These challenges threatened project timelines, budgets, and research outcomes across various departments. Teams struggled to adapt to unforeseen complications while maintaining their long-term vision, aligning diverse stakeholder interests, and navigating the competitive academic funding and publication landscape.

2. The Approach:
To address these challenges, the research management team implemented a strategic approach combining three frameworks: the 3 Horizons of Growth, Blue Ocean Strategy, and Playing to Win. Research teams used the 3 Horizons model to balance immediate needs with future aspirations. Blue Ocean Strategy helped identify unexplored research areas, reducing competition and opening new avenues for groundbreaking work. The Playing to Win framework provided a structured methodology for critical decision-making, keeping projects on a successful trajectory. These strategies were tailored to each project's unique context, fostering innovation and resilience.

3. Outcomes and Learnings:
This approach yielded significant positive outcomes, including increased research output, improved funding success rates, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration. Key learnings include the importance of flexible strategic thinking, the value of seeking unexplored research territories, and the power of aligned decision-making processes. The strategies fostered a culture of innovation that extended beyond individual projects, influencing the university's overall research ecosystem. Attendees will gain insights into adapting these frameworks to their own research contexts, along with practical tools for anticipating challenges and driving projects from concept to impactful reality.