Open Alchemy

The break-neck speed of business developments means that even the most high-profile UK corporations need to stay one step ahead.

This Open Alchemy programme brought together indisputable leaders in a diversity of sectors, all seeking breakthrough innovation. Each participant (Arup, BBC, BP, BT, Cancer Research UK, the Department for Transport, Interbrand, Lloyds TSB, NHS, Pfizer, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, Virgin Atlantic and Vocalink) is a customer of Oracle, the world's largest enterprise software company.

We devised a method of harnessing the energy of these diverse corporate cultures and their different perspectives to spark radical new ideas. Facilitated by Innovaro, Open Alchemy took known challenges that the near future will throw at business and pooled some of the most innovative minds in the UK to tackle them. The 'alchemy' that we provided mixes ideas in a creative environment to transform real challenges into authentic opportunities.

Even the most brilliant innovations will fail to take root unless the workforce of an organisation is fully engaged. So a collaborative innovation site - www.openalchemy.co.uk - using multi-media stimulus, an informal style and a conversational approach was designed and launched to encourage contributions.

Open Alchemy has led to several major collaborative projects including Oracle Alchemy, an in-house innovation system now under development with the NHS. Perhaps the most significant outcome was WellBe - an alliance between Oracle, the NHS, Pfizer, BT and others. This is designed to incentivise the public to adopt healthier behaviours in return for discounts on products and services. It is now undergoing rapid development due to launch in time for the London 2012 Olympics.

The success of Open Alchemy has proved to be an inspiration to suppliers who want to be more proactive for their business customers; and to corporations who want to generate from their supply chain something more compelling than just low prices.