Harnessing Small Groups for Big Innovations in Research
Written on
Chapter 1: Insights from Japanese Research
A fascinating study conducted by the University of Tsukuba in Japan sheds light on the dynamics of research in various scientific fields. While the focus is primarily on scientific inquiry, the implications extend to the realms of business and innovation as well, due to the similar nature of their dynamics.
The research team examined data spanning from 1970 to 2018, analyzing keywords, emerging topics, and the evolution of different research domains. Over the decades, many scientific fields have grown increasingly intricate, leading to a significant rise in the number of large research teams, especially after 2000.
This paragraph will result in an indented block of text, typically used for quoting other text.
Section 1.1: Who Drives Innovation?
A critical question arises: Are new research avenues and emerging topics primarily led by large, well-funded teams, or do smaller groups, often more willing to take risks, play a crucial role in pioneering these areas?
The findings were telling: smaller research teams are the main drivers of emerging topics, with larger teams typically following suit. This trend is also relevant in the context of business and innovation—small teams are generally more inclined to explore risky, novel ideas, while larger teams tend to be more cautious. It seems that larger teams often excel in established fields where consensus is key, but they may also lean towards conformity and reduced risk-taking.
Subsection 1.1.1: Visual Insights
Section 1.2: Takeaways for Innovation
My conclusion is that for fostering innovation, smaller teams may be more effective, whereas larger teams might excel in achieving gradual improvements.
Chapter 2: Video Insights on Team Dynamics
Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" offers a powerful reflection on pursuing one's passions and the importance of teamwork in achieving dreams.
The "SNSD Andy Young (Go Big Or Go Home) - Aviators Hierarchy Training" video explores how team dynamics and leadership can significantly impact innovation and risk-taking in various fields.
Reference:
Ryosuke L. Ohniwa, Kunio Takeyasu, Aiko Hibino.
Researcher dynamics in the generation of emerging topics in life sciences and medicine.
Scientometrics, 2022;
DOI: 10.1007/s11192–021–04233–1
Andy publishes a quick hit every weekday on various topics related to the brain, behavior, and business. Be sure to follow for your daily insights. Summary available here, full list here.
Andy is also the author of "Leading Brains Review," a monthly e-magazine dedicated to the intersection of brain science, behavior, and business.