Innovation needs time

A growing number of companies are giving their employees time to work on projects of their own choosing and are reaping the benefits from this.

Google allocates a notional 20 percent of time for their workers (known as 'Googlers') to develop their own ideas for the company.  These can range from new product developments through to more internal projects - and the issues focussed on do not necessarily have to relate to an individual's core job. Googlers can also use this time to work in another part of the company where they would like to make a contribution.

Initially an idea may be developed by one individual but, if it is perceived to have potential for Google, then a team can be brought together that focuses most or all of its time on the idea's implementation.

The reality may be that the pressures of everyday work mean that Googlers do not take advantage of their full 20 percent of time allocated.  But what the initiative does is build a company ethos where it is good to have and pursue ideas, and it provides the opportunity to collaborate on their implementation.

Encouraging a culture where ideas can flourish

The range of initiatives generated through '20 percent time' is impressive and includes Gmail, Google news, Google Sky and Google Earth as well as an accessible search facility for visually impaired people.

Rian Liebenberg, Engineering Director at Google, believes that '20 percent time' is crucial in building a culture where ideas can flourish: "It encourages the flow and exchange of ideas within Google, enables people to follow some of their passions and helps build our culture of innovation.  Our whole organisation is built on ideas, and this is a fundamental way of getting them."

Roland Harwood, Director of NESTA's Connect programme, argues that employees should also be given time to explore other sectors to get insights and inspiration that may enable the cross-fertilisation of ideas: "Organisations should create space within their schedules to enable individuals to network outside of their silo for around 10 percent of the time.  I am confident that the benefits, such as exposure to different viewpoints and ways of going about things, would pay real dividends when it comes to fostering innovation."

As the economy takes a dip, the inevitable question arises as to whether companies will view such initiatives as a worth-while investment for the future or a distraction from everyday business.  Only time will tell.