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  • Summer 2020
  • Article
  • MIT Sloan Management Review

Accelerating Innovation Through a Network of Ecosystems: What Companies Can Learn from One of the World's Largest Networks of Accelerator Labs

By: Elizabeth J. Altman and Frank Nagle
  • Format:Print
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Abstract

A United Nations agency with a sweeping mission and sprawling global presence may not appear to be the most likely place where companies can learn new techniques for accelerating innovation — but appearances can be deceiving. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on solving the world’s most complex problems through a distributed network of local ecosystems. In our exploratory research, we find that this organization is making exceptionally progressive innovation moves both at its headquarters and in the field by building and sustaining one of the world’s largest networks of accelerator labs — 60 of them, serving 78 countries. We discuss how companies can learn from their efforts, and highlight examples of companies already embracing the “network of ecosystems” style of innovation.

Keywords

Accelerator Labs; Business Ecosystems; Networks; Innovation and Invention

Citation

Altman, Elizabeth J., and Frank Nagle. "Accelerating Innovation Through a Network of Ecosystems: What Companies Can Learn from One of the World's Largest Networks of Accelerator Labs." MIT Sloan Management Review 61, no. 4 (Summer 2020).
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