Development of need-motivated research system for innovation environments

Matz Lenner
Professor at Gävle University and lecturer at the Linköping Technical University.

What is research?
In his book entitled “Pasteur’s Quadrant”, Donald Stokes asks the question: What is research? He compares Edison with Bohr and Pasteur. Edison based his work on an idea that he finally got to work as he intended, whereas Bohr and Pasteur wanted to solve an actual problem. However, the difference between them is that Bohr was driven by curiosity, whereas Pasteur’s research was need-motivated. Many innovators in industry are akin to Edison. As soon as they get their idea to work, they abandon it.

So what is need-motivated research?
It is always based on a concrete need – it must be in demand. The need may come from industry or from public activities, or may arise in new areas in which there is growth potential. This form of research is particularly important for sustainable growth.

The challenge is to get small companies interested in R&D. But we have such different views of time, the academic world and industry. A small company has a question to which it needs an answer yesterday. Larger companies have longer lead times, but they are still in a hurry. A model is needed that can perform well in both cultures. My task is to develop such a model on behalf of Triple Steelix (Move It?).

Smart Production
The Smart Production project is a way of activating small companies and making their production more efficient. They have their special structures, but they have development potential that they may not always appreciate. We can help them get to grips with that. A great deal can be gained if the management realizes the usefulness of Smart Production.

The project is aimed at arousing the interest of small companies in taking a closer look at their operations and viewing the process in a different way. What happens between the machines? What happens to the money? A great is a matter of structured common sense.

Importance of face-to-face discussions
Need-motivated research is thus based on close contacts with industry. In small manufacturing companies, the educational level is quite often low and the attitude to academic knowledge is reserved. So face-to-face discussions are very important. Small companies don’t phone the university, so I must come out instead. Many don’t even know that they have a problem. So I come to them and raise many questions. I gain a picture of the company and its processes, and I then return with views and ideas for improvements.

A great deal involves silent knowledge in industry. They have a certain amount of knowledge, but they are reluctant to part with it. This makes the system vulnerable.

Dare to ask Why?
We in the academic world must regularly come out into reality, observe, question and dare to ask Why? If we can answer it, we will have acquired new knowledge. Every problem presents a challenge. Everyone is a winner if this attitude is adopted. It could lead to examination projects or practical projects for students, and may perhaps be the subject for a thesis. For the companies, it could offer good opportunities for new products and processes that benefit their development.