There’s an interesting series of blogs from Nesta and 100%Open on a joint project on supporting open innovation in charities which can be found here. The main common points emerging for charities to further develop, although these could be applicable for any organisation, are:
Breaking down internal siloes
Focusing innovation investment on core business concerns such as increasing giving
Taking well managed risks and not being afraid to be seen to ‘fail’
Developing a culture that embraces testing of ‘imperfect’ ideas as a way of developing ones that will work
Again, the emphasis is placed on organisational learning through testing, iteration and “failing fast”.