Research

The underlying research of the Owls Project is a study of the generic factors that play a role in innovation and breakthrough processes. By processes we mean the trajectory in stages from idea to realization. In this research project we seek to determine whether generic factors played a part in the successful execution of these innovation and breakthrough processes, and if so which ones.

We carried out over 26 case studies by descriptive and semi- structured research, and analyzed them with additional qualitative research. Our starting hypothesis was that the assumed generic factors exist and that their role in an innovation and breakthrough can be observed and tested.

The case studies are the result of desk and field research, with the field research carried out in qualitative semi-structured interviews. We carried out an additional qualitative analysis for each study with the aid of software. For these analyses, the theories of Juliet Corbin and the late Anselm Strauss (2008) were used, as well as QI Macros© software (KnowWare International, Inc).

By applying this specific software, it was possible to unambiguously examine large data sets in a short period of time. For this it was important to make use of an open and proper coding of the data.

To ensure that the semi-structured interviews for each case study were carried out with the same qualitative approach, they were guided by a template that focused the interview on the generic factors involved. This template provided a structure for the desk and field research (interviews) with open questions.

Our starting point and hypothesis was to use the elements/stages of a conventional production/implementation process as a metaphor and label them as generic factors. In the first version of the hypothesis, six generic factors related to the process were chosen: idea and vision; innovation and breakthrough; concept; mission and strategy; planning and execution; and the iterative process.

In order to make sure that the correct choices were made, five cases were tested and it turned out that the defined generic factors worked well. In the course of the research, it also became apparent that three additional factors play a frequent role. We call these the enablers: human factors, environmental factors/capabilities, and the window of opportunity. The generic factors were grouped into: the creative phase, the operational phase and the enabling phase.