Nurturing Innovation and Technological Capabilities A Case of Government RandD Laboratory

Abstract

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to explore determinants of organizational climate for innovation in a setting of a public funded laboratory in India. Organizational climate nurtures need assessment of customers, management of supplier-buyer dyad, development of organizational linkages for competency enhancement and moving towards sustainable laboratory eco-system. newlineMethodology: This study uses a case study approach and Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment Agra (ADRDE Agra) a constituent laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India has been chosen as unit of analysis. Building on review of literature a questionnaire based survey has been performed for assessment and identification of determinants of organizational climate. The respondents belong to ADRDE Agra. Subsequently various successful projects of the ADRDE Agra have been used as case in point to understand dynamics of customer need assessment, knowledge transfer in collaborative alliances and leveraging competencies of suppliers in proving needed materials and components. newlineFindings: The study comes up with 12 factors as determinants of organizational climate which nurtures innovation in a public funded research laboratory. A multiple regression based relationship has been established between these 12 determinants of organizational climate and innovation. newlineKnowledge transfer mechanism and role of media have been assessed across 10 projects of the ADRDE Agra and 12 modes of inter-organizational alliances. newlineDynamics of customer centric product development have been analysed using the frame of open innovation. Open innovation actions, quest for quality and systems engineering approach have been discussed in the context of successful projects of the ADRDE Agra newlineThe role of suppliers in bringing in new competencies and meeting new material and components needs of buyers have been discussed across the frame of supplier-buyer dyad. newlineii newlineFinally this study presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable eco-system for in