How can social media drive innovation in manufacturing?

Participants: Yvette Nanasi, Rhonda Lee, Derek Nash

Methodology to develop an organizational structure to help define process - apply this to understand what the problems are and then develop a solutions process. Understanding where the needs are.

How do we use the social media tools to connect and distribute information to manufacturers will depend on the audience and the problems they are trying to solve. Will require structure and common interests - possibly smaller organizations to start and then moving into larger corporations.

Innovation most happens by accident and is not a result of an identified problem that requires a solution. 

Introducing something new requires an understanding of the target audience - using the example of introducing Lotus Notes and getting the lead of technology bought into it. Understanding the culture, expectations is key.

Social media has barriers - protection of information is critical, culture not widely adopted, why would I want all my information to be public?

Innovation via social media must be focused around grassroots - education will take place through the associations rather than from an employer perspective. 

Must be easy to use so that target audience will adopt and engage.