The Organization and Architecture of Innovation: Managing the Flow of Technology (Paperback)

~ Thomas J. Allen (Author), Gunter Henn (Author)
Key Phrases: physical space configuration, communication for inspiration, interdepartmental communication, Technical University of Munich, New York, Corning's Decker Building (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"WOW! The collaboration between Allen and Henn is a unique synthesis of fundamental work on social networks, organizations, and innovation with fundamental ideas on physical space and architecture. The Organization and Architecture of Innovation is a deeply insightful book on how the social, organizational, and physical worlds interact to create the conditions for communication across boundaries. Unlike any other book that I know of, the book is rich with example of putting research-based knowledge to work with demanding clients. This is a fabulous piece of work."
-- Michael Tushman, Paul R. Lawrence Class of 1942 Professor, Harvard Business School

"For 40 years, researchers have recognized that communication is critical to innovation, and that architecture determines such communication. This book finally integrates understanding of architecture, communication, and innovation. Clearly and engagingly written, it synthesizes scholarly research and practical application to illustrate how architecture can be a hidden source of innovative advantage. Engaging cases and illustrations make it accessible to almost any audience. For its substance, it should be within easy reach of anyone interested in innovation."
-- Andrew King, Associate Professor of Business Administration, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College

"The Organization and Innovation of Architecture once more illustrates vividly Tom Allen's excellence in identifying essential challenges of technological change and providing well-founded solutions. Being the undisputed eminence behind the now worldwide accepted management initiative of mastering technology and innovation, he shares with us his latest findings which strike the very core of innovative organizations: The existential dependence on communication processes between individuals and groups, and approaches on how to best design them using path-breaking principles of spatial configuration of buildings. In fact Tom Allen brings to our attention an until now astonishingly 'forgotten' main dimension of management: the spatial dimension as the indispensable counterpart of the structural dimension. The carefully researched and well-written book closes a hitherto existing and crucial gap in management textbooks. It is therefore a highly recommended reading for scholars and students in all management sciences as well as for management practitioners on every level.
-- Prof. Hugo P. Tschirky, PhD, DBA, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Department of Management, Technology, and Economics; Member of the European Institute of Technology and Innovation Management

"The Organization and Innovation of Architecture by Thomas Allen and Gunther Henn is timely and highly welcome. Everyone involved in understanding and increasing the gold standard in managing technology and innovation groups, at companies and universities alike, will discover a rich plethora of insightful ideas and practical approaches in this work. The book builds upon the pioneering work on communication in technology development by Professor Allen. Worldwide, thousands of scholars and managers have been thoroughly inspired by Allen's insights over the last three decades. The present work further translates those insights into highly relevant and, at the same time, practical lessons for implementation. By explicitly focusing on the symbiosis between organization and architecture, the authors successfully fill an important gap in the management of innovation and technology literature. This book is an evident must for every professional involved in innovation management."
-- Koenraad Debackere, Professor of Technology and Innovation Management, K.U.Leuven, Belgium

"This fascinating book explores the impact of organizational and spatial factors on communication and innovation. Rooted in Tom Allen's classic research with R&D engineers and scientists, it brings the subject right up to date in the context of the BMW Projekthaus, designed by the book's co-author Gunter Henn. This concise work is a 'must read' for all those concerned with enhancing the innovation and product development process in high-tech businesses."
-- David Probert, Reader in Technology Management, Centre for Technology Management, Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University Engineering Department

Book Description

Serious thinking based on solid research into how organizational structure and physical space affect innovation in industry

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Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann; 1 edition (November 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750682361
• ISBN-13: 978-0750682367
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #210,498 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Organization, Architecture, and Innovation, October 19, 2009

By	Joseph S. Voeller - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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From cover to cover Allen and Henn do an incredible job building on their ideas until they all come together in the end. In the beginning of the book they start to explain the concept of organizations and architecture and why it is so important to look at one with the other. Then he ties in the different types of communication which illustrates how important it is to design a workspace based on the needs an organization has. The book uses a great deal of illustrations that allow the reader to get a clear picture of how different office configurations can play a large role in how communication and innovation is handled within a company.

If you are looking for a management book that brings an alternative view to the way that company's can be run, and even how architecture can change the way employees and managers interact, this book is for you. The book gives examples of companies that have changed their office configuration, and increased productivity and innovation at a very high rate.

Allen and Henn have written the book so that it uses a great deal of real life examples. This is beneficial because it helps describe how different types of industry's can use architecture to help with innovation. For an example they reference the Skoda Assembly Plant to show how you can redesign the assembly line so that everyone is aware of the quality of the product as it passes through multiple departments.

One thing I found incredibly interesting was that "a mere 50 meters between people essentially results in the end of regular communication". For large organizations this can be an incredible problem. Because of this issue the book shows different ways of moving people to central meeting areas to increase communication, and help innovation through the sharing of ideas.

I wound recommend this book to any young manager that is looking to make a change, or an existing manager that has the ability to redesign the organizational flow of innovation. The book is a quick read, but the amount of information you can get from it is extraordinary. As a future entrepreneur this book has given me a new look on how to use architecture to increase innovation whether in a large or small organization.