Research innovation is the process of generating new knowledge, methods, or products that can advance science and benefit society. However, research innovation is not easy to achieve, especially in a complex and competitive environment like laboratory management. In this article, we will explore some of the most common barriers to research innovation and how you can overcome them.
One of the most obvious barriers to research innovation is the lack of adequate and stable funding. Research projects often require significant resources, such as equipment, materials, personnel, and time, that are not always available or guaranteed. Moreover, funding agencies and donors may have specific agendas, criteria, and expectations that may limit the scope, direction, and impact of your research. To overcome this barrier, you need to diversify your funding sources, seek collaborations and partnerships, and demonstrate the value and relevance of your research to various stakeholders.
Always prepare, prepare, prepare when discussing resources. A well laid our plan is important to getting the resouces that you need. This is well understood in large corporations with large projects like in pharmaceuticals or automotive, as the steps are known. But in smaller / medium organizations or ones with newer mangement and external funding many people underestimate what preparation is needed.
Another barrier to research innovation is the regulatory framework that governs research activities. Depending on the nature and scope of your research, you may need to comply with various rules, standards, and protocols that are designed to ensure ethical, legal, and safe conduct of research. However, these regulations may also pose challenges, such as delays, costs, and restrictions, that may hamper your research innovation. To overcome this barrier, you need to be aware of the relevant regulations, consult with experts and authorities, and plan ahead for any potential issues or risks.
A third barrier to research innovation is the cultural norm that prevails in your laboratory, institution, or field. Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape the behavior and expectations of researchers. Culture can influence how you approach problems, generate ideas, collaborate with others, and disseminate your findings. However, culture can also create barriers, such as resistance to change, conformity to tradition, or fear of failure, that may stifle your research innovation. To overcome this barrier, you need to foster a culture of innovation, where creativity, diversity, and experimentation are encouraged and rewarded.
A fourth barrier to research innovation is the skill gap that may exist between your current capabilities and your desired goals. Research innovation often requires a combination of skills, such as technical, analytical, communication, and leadership skills, that may not be readily available or developed in your laboratory. Moreover, research innovation may demand new or emerging skills, such as data science, artificial intelligence, or entrepreneurship, that may not be part of your existing training or education. To overcome this barrier, you need to invest in your skill development, seek mentorship and guidance, and leverage online and offline learning opportunities.
A fifth barrier to research innovation is the collaboration challenge that may arise when you work with others. Research innovation often benefits from the input, feedback, and support of different people, such as colleagues, peers, mentors, partners, and users. However, collaboration can also present difficulties, such as conflicts, misunderstandings, or power imbalances, that may hinder your research innovation. To overcome this barrier, you need to build trust and rapport, establish clear roles and expectations, and communicate effectively and respectfully.
Collaboration challenges can stem from many things but the main chellenge I see is competing goals. Just because a project has a clear and stated goal does not mean everybody is working toward that goal. Workers can have agendas to make themselves elevated without regards to the project. If personal goals get int he way of projects goals this is a serious problem, but none too common in large organizations, especially if people see a project as not going to deliver the end goal. Also, collboaring with upper managment is something people forget. They dont put them on the "collaboration" side of the equation but management needs to be involved and along for the journey to keep the project goals in line as they can change.
A sixth barrier to research innovation is the impact measurement that may affect your research outcomes and recognition. Research innovation is not only about producing new knowledge, methods, or products, but also about creating positive change and value for society. However, measuring the impact of your research innovation can be challenging, as it may involve multiple dimensions, indicators, and stakeholders that are not easy to quantify or compare. To overcome this barrier, you need to define your impact goals, collect and analyze relevant data, and communicate your impact story.