Crying for innovation

They're famous for it: Innovators and frustration with "how things are". Here's one.

By Ryan Skinner (email)

I don't know Alex Vari. I've never met him, and I know basically nothing about what he has designed. What I do know is this: He's well-frustrated with conservatism in shipping. It's probably what gives innovators their spark - a bit of frustration, a bit of ingenuity, a bit of "goddamn it if this thing can't be done better".

He sent me a mail titled "marine innovation", and I thought it was a great little heartfelt essay on the state of innovation in shipping. I asked him if I could simply repost his letter here, and he said that I should do it. If you read it, and want to contact Alex directly, you can do so here.

My interest in this topic is that for the last few YEARS now I have been seeking support for a project I have for the development of a TOTALLY new hull design. I believe my design will overcome most of the problems currently faced by power-driven, larger vessels with regard to high and efficient speed.

Without going into the actual design itself, you may be interested to learn of my experiences in this quest. Almost without exception, all of the companies I have contacted so far are unprepared to handle the subject of innovation. They have no procedures in place to handle these types of approaches. In some cases, they are openly hostile when you indicated that there may be another way to look at the problem.

The problem I think is that basically they have no understanding of what innovation really means. Innovation rarely comes from a direction in which you are looking. Changes are usually incremental and we can handle these types of events. Innovation, however, is usually classed as - at best - a disruptive event, and - at worst - a destructive one.

...

It's all very well for the current players to pat each other on the back and carry on with business as usual, saying they are making changes and improvements. They have nicely divided the pie into its segments and are doing nicely, thank you. If, however, someone from outside of the "club", without the accepted credentials, experience, etc., raises the possibility that there may be another way, well, I can tell you from personal experience it's an uphill battle.

I suppose it's only natural. There is even a problem of language. How do you describe something new using old terminology. Craft are either displacement or planing or a bit of both, right? There is, however, another way, but as yet I have no word for it nor can I succinctly describe how it works.

Just a few thoughts about innovation from a frustrated innovator.

What do you fellow innovators think? Is this a common sore point?

Comments

[Jan Jaap Nieuwenhuis]

Dear Ryan, first of all thanks for your interesting blog. I often read it, but normally don't comment. However as a designer in a ship design office I feel obliged to respond to this one. I do agree that some of the actors in the shipping/shipbuilding industry are conservative and hard to convince to implement innovations, but often for very good reasons, as the risks in shipping can be enormous (not only financially, but also with respect to people's lives,the environment, etc.) or because the "innovations" simply don't work. However more and more innovations are implemented, but often remain unnoticed except for the "in crowd". Ship designers perhaps have to put more effort in showing the innovative aspects of new designs, as for a lot of people all the ships are about the same, because they almost all look the same. I don't know about Alex's innovation, but you could give him my email address. I can't promise anything but I could take a look at it. Keep up the good work!

[Ryan]

A thoughtful comment, Jan. Thanks. I suppose I feel particular empathy for this designer because, as a creative, I also struggle sometimes to sell in big ideas to conservative businessmen. I agree with you that it boils down to a communications problem often; we can't blame the audience - we just need to get better at telling them what we're imagining. I'll give Alex your email.

[Steve Bain]

Please give Alex my email Ryan. I pride myself on being open to new ideas. Thanks.

[Alex Vari]

Dear Ryan,
Thanks for posting my e-mail and the obvious support for us innovators.
So far I've had three promising approaches.
I am in communication with all of them and it remains to be seen how each will go within their own organisations in pushing a typical innovative project approach from an innovator.
They are now caught in the usual problem of trying to convince their managments to take the first step in a strange direction from a strange person who is even reluctant (for some reason) to fully disclose what his idea is. If it was from a known associate, with a proven business plan and a proven business record the approach would be straight forward. A cost benefit analysis will do the trick.
Innovation rarely fits into such a neat bundle. Even so called R & D monies always come with strings attached requiring a stringent cost benefit analysis. They often resemble a loan agreement with the "lender" looking for assurances that he will not loose his money.
Without a conscious decision that takes into account the (initial) obvious weakness of all innovative projects, with all of its inherrent risks, innovative projects will rarely see the light of day.
Thanks again for your support and I will keep you informed.
Regards
Alex Vari

[Alex Vari]

Dear Ryan,
Attached is a copy of my e-mail to one of the three respondents to my e-mail.
One down, two to go.

Dear Jan,
Thank you for your reply and obvious honesty regarding how you see the current position regarding the protection of new ideas within the marine industry.
It very closely resembles my own evaluation and it is good to hear it confirmed, again, from someone who is directly involved.
As you are aware I have been looking for someone to partner with in developing my idea for some years now. My search up until relatively recently has been restricted to within the marine design/building industries. What has amazed me is that the industry itself has not found a way around these problems. This current situation has in all probability resulted in its missing out on opportunities for change
and improvement.
While this in itself can be dismissed by the industry as "that's just the way things are" and now lets just get on with business as usual. The crucial importance of efficient marine transportation for humanity as a whole is conveniently overlooked.
Every global industrial revolution has been underpinned by a leap forward in transportation. (Not merely by its incremental improvement.)Our ability to move the resources of this planet around the globe has been pivotal in the evolution of mankind. Innovation in transportation has always sparked off these great changes. (I would have liked to have been around to see the changes when man invented the wheel.)
In the end, history will not judge kindly the marine design/building industry. This lack of virility and interest in its own development and placid acceptance and co operation in maintaining the basic status quo. It should take a look at the IT industry and the way it is evolving and re inventing itself.
The exception may perhaps be in the area of sailing. Here we have seen some innovative changes. I feel that the reason for this is that we are talking about big toys for big boys - and big boys have always found ways of getting money for their big toys.
Its a pity that some of these adventurous monies have failed to find their way into a perhaps a more worthy direction.
I will now get of my soap box, take another tablet, and get on with my quest.
Thank you for your offer to look at my idea.
I will however keep looking for someone who is able to proceed with the construction of a prototype and perhaps be in a better position to protect the IP.
I will try and keep you up to date.

Regards

Alex Vari

[Alex Vari]

Just to keep you all interested and up to date on any developments.
Some time ago the suggestion was made to me to approach DARPA who I was told may have an interest in the development of a fast marine craft.
For those who may not be aware - The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of new technology for use by the military.
Yesterday I received a reply to my general approach to see if they were interested in commencing discussions on this subject of a high speed marine vehicle.
I quote their reply as it very clearly encapsulates the problem most organisations seem to have when it comes to innovation - especially when it comes for an unfamiliar direction.
"I encourage you to submit future proposals in response to advertised requirements in lieu of submitting unsolicited proposals."
I will now wait for their posting of a requirement for an untried, innovative marine hull design.
However, should I miss such a request sometime in the future, or perhaps I missed one some time ago, would any reader please let me know.
In all fairness, there are clear and detailed provisions regarding procedures for "unsolicited proposals". It is clear however that these are designed to be from established, credentialled organisation for products that have already been proven and costed.
The concept that there should perhaps be an investment or involvement in an untried and yet to be proven product does not appear to be contemplated or provided for in the procedures.
But am I missing a very important point? Perhaps there are so many of these type of "crazy" ideas floating around that no one has the time or could reasonably be expected to look at them all - until they are proven of course at which time we will give them careful consideration.
But have I now gone in full circle ? Who is this well funded and qualified person/organisation who will take this first step to see if the concept is viable, keep the inventor in the loop and perhaps share with him the possible financial benefits ?
I will keep looking and let you all know when I find out - as I am sure many of you out there would also like to know.
Regards

Alex Vari

[Alex Vari]

Dear Ryan,
Just an update. No..... I have not given up nor has there been an approach from an adventorous backer. Its business as usual. Looking for my needle in the haystacks.
Had entered a competition for Innovative concepts. From a National (Australian) competition the concept of an "efficient fast hull design" the concept was narrowed down to 100 finalists. This concept was rated as the 47th. Not bad I thought. At least some people think the idea has merit.
Contacted a firm priding itself as a supporter of innovation within the marine industry. They even hold an annual competition looking for these type of concepts. The winner receives a monetary prize.
No mention of collaborating with the designer. The idea of getting behind the concept and offering their own considerable resources, technical, financial and otherwise, to assist the winner does not appear to be on the agenda.
The fostering of innovative concepts, delicate and fragile as they are during their early stages is just too difficult for most organisations. They just do not stand up to the usual harsh, hard nosed business scrutiny required of most risky business ventures.
I was invited to submit an entry next year.
I'm still looking.

Regards

Alex Vari

[Alex vari]

Perhaps for all those who have been following these exchanges a long overdue update.

There have been no developments ion my quest on any level. I have not managed to unearth any further interest in my project.

One aspect is perhaps worth mentioning. The suggestion has been made in the past that my concept should be patented.

For now what seems like a long time ago I did patent a device for the deep watering of trees and plants. Like now, I was not then in a position to bring the product to market. More importantly, I failed to get support for its development even having a patent. This in spite approaching all of the usual suspects who I felt would have an interest in such a product.

The product has now found its way onto the market shelves and is being widely distributed.

It has confirmed my suspicion that patenting an idea before ensuring your ability to take the product to the market place is perhaps a bad move.

While it may slow down getting the necessary support for its development it may be worth the wait in the long run.

Still cruising and looking for the opportunity.

Regards

Alex Vari

[adi]

now i understand ... technological advances

[abercrombie polo]

Un comentario reflexivo, Gracias de enero. Supongo que sentir empatía particular por este diseñador, ya que, como creativo, también luchan a veces, para vender en grandes ideas a los empresarios conservadores. Estoy de acuerdo con usted en que todo se reduce a un problema de comunicación a menudo, no podemos culpar a la audiencia - sólo tenemos que mejorar en decirles lo que estamos imaginando. Voy a dar Alex su correo electrónico.

[Alex Vari]

Dear abercrombie polo, I had Google translate your contribution. I have taken you comment on board and it lines up with Ryans January comment about changing the message if the audience fails to "get it". Recently someone pointed out a comment by a Mr.Machiavelli "If you want to change the world, prepare to face the full force of the reaction against you from those that have the most to loose." While as yet I have not had to face any "force" I have experienced efforts to ignore and at times ridicule my ideas because of my lack of credentials in this field. Yes, I will change the world of marine hull design as it is long overdue for a major overhaul of its long accepted limitations. More powerful engines and exotic light weight materials are all signs of a lack of any imaginative solutions to a long existing set of problems.
I will find a way sooner or later.
Alex Vari