Evaluating Novelty: The role of panels in the selection of R&D projects
| Dates: | 7 March 2016 |
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| Times: | 13:00 - 14:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Manchester Institute of Innovation Research |
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| Venue opening hours: | 1-2pm (coffee from 12.30pm) |
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| Speaker: | Paola Criscuolo |
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Building on a unique, multi-source and multi-method study of R&D projects in a leading professional service firm, we develop the argument
that organizations are more likely to fund projects with intermediate levels of novelty. That is, some project novelty increases the share of
requested funds received, but too much novelty is difficult to appreciate and is selected against. While earlier literature has considered the
characteristics of the individuals generating project ideas, we shift the focus to panel selectors and explore how they shape the evaluation
of novelty. We theorize that high panel workload reduces panel preference for novelty in selection, whereas a diversity of panel expertise
and shared location between the panel and the applicant increase preference for novelty.
We explore the implications of these findings for theories of innovation search and organizational selection as well as managerial practice.
Directions:
Due to preparation work for the MBS redevelopment project, access to the Harold Hankins building is no longer possible via the
University Precinct Centre. Please use the main entrance of MBS West (Building Number 29 on the Campus Map) and take the lifts
to the left of the main reception desk to the 6th floor. Turn left (‘access to Harold Hankins’ is signed) and go through the door at
the end of the corridor and left through a second door into the stairwell. Go down a half flight of stairs following the sign
‘access to Harold Hankins’ and through the door into the Harold Hankins building and along the corridor until you get to the main
stairwell/lift lobby. Take the lift to the tenth floor then turn right out of the lift.
Alternatively, if you are a member of the University you can email john.ashton-2@manchester.ac.uk for access to
Harold Hankins building from the door on Booth Street West.
Speaker
Paola Criscuolo
Role: Associate Professor
Organisation: The Business School, Imperial College, London
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
10.05
Harold Hankins building
Oxford Road
Manchester
