BUSINESS EXECUTIVES FORUM 2013 Open Innovation What, Why and How? 25 March, 18:00 (University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NY) 17 April, 18:00 (Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TD) Kent’s research-driven business network supporting management professionals The session is facilitated by Dr. Marian Garcia, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Kent Business School. Marian is also Director of Studies of the MSc in Value Chain Management. Open Innovation is based on a simple principle: tapping external resources reduces pressure on squeezed R&D budgets and puts products on shelves faster, hence increasing sales and profitability. It gives access to more expertise than any one company could ever employ in-house. Her research focuses on New Product Development and innovation management, in particular how SMEs use consumer insights to enhance their innovation performance. She has published numerous articles on the transition from closed to open innovation and the organisational and managerial challenges companies face to accommodate a more externally orientated mindset. Currently, she is helping companies to develop superior value propositions relevant to their target market, by working together with customers and suppliers. Join us to learn about: Marian also acts as a reviewer for various technology management academic journals and has recently published a book on Open Innovation in the Food and Beverage Industry. To register: email: kbsbusiness@kent.ac.uk or call: 01227 82 7192 • What is Open Innovation? • The benefits of partnerships in innovation with external partners • Different management structures and processes for open innovation partnerships and networks • Typical challenges and opportunities created by open innovation • How to create an internal open innovation culture and assessing the cultural fit between potential partners • How to start the transition from closed to open innovation in your own organisation There is no charge for this event. Register now to enjoy this fascinating presentation and the opportunity to network with other management professionals over a free dinner. Connect at: www.kent.ac.uk/kbs twitter.com/kentb_school youtube.com/KentBusinessSchool facebook.com/KentBusinessSchool