Resource:How to build a space and culture that encourages innovation
Contents
Overview
Understand campus culture
First and foremost, it is essential to understand your campus culture and the attitude towards entrepreneurship and innovation. What resources are currently on your campus? Is an innovation space needed? Do students want (and would they actually use) such a space? If it is determined that there is a student need for the space, then the next step is to determine the value proposition it provides for different groups of people on campus. These groups can include students, faculty, administrators, or even facility management. They will most likely all have differing value propositions, as they play different roles on campus and will play different roles within the space.
Recruit help
Once a need for an innovation space has been identified, it is essential to form a support system around the idea. Start by pitching the idea to your advisor or another faculty member, then move throughout the ranks of your university to gain momentum.
An example might look like this: Advisor > Department Chair > Dean of Engineering College & Dean of Business School > VP of Economic Development > VP of Research
When in meetings with university leaders, it is important to clearly state the purpose of the space and specifically how they can help. This can include information about the necessary funding and the types of roles they can play as a university leader once the space is created. Creating a business plan or a business canvas for these meetings can also be very beneficial.
Identify space location
Perhaps one of the most challenging parts about building an innovation space is determining its location. While it is advisable to have a centralized location that is accessible to all students, that might not be possible. One option is to start with an old lab or unused classroom within your respective college. This could allow you to test out the idea to see if and how students use the space. This will also enable you to determine the operations and logistics of the space on a smaller scale.
If you are able to secure a more centralized location, make sure all students are aware of and are invited to use the facility.
Ideally, the best case scenario would be to have a location that isn't affiliated with any department or college, such as the newly announced Watt Family Innovation Center at Clemson University.
Specifics of the space
While the specifics of innovation spaces can vary, it is important to include some key elements that help encourage design thinking when using the space. Whiteboard walls, moveable furniture, projector or large tv for presentations, and computers should all be included when the space is planned.
