NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2009 – The Internet is emerging as the present day enabler of technology innovation, allowing companies to reach out to individuals and business organizations in all corners of the world to import ideas and problem-solving approaches, according to an article in the February 2009 issue of Mechanical Engineering magazine.

In a process known as open innovation, companies in diverse industries are using the Web to scan the globe for design engineers, packaging experts, or others who could contribute knowledge and value to product development programs.

Web sites also exist to link product developers to business entrepreneurs and investors who might represent potential technology buyers, according to Mechanical Engineering, which goes on in the article to say that open innovation allows companies to accelerate market entry for products.

“Open innovation eliminates traditional boundaries among businesses, universities, government, independent inventors, and other sources of knowledge,” says Mechanical Engineering, the flagship publication of ASME.  “Ideas flow into and out of companies, communicated with an ease never possible before.”

The magazine profiles Proctor & Gamble, the huge consumer goods maker, which obtains almost 50 percent of new ideas and technologies from collaborating with outside sources.  One beneficial result of open innovation at P&G has been improved manufacturing processes for both new and established products.

“For open innovation to succeed,” says Mechanical Engineering, “engineers need to overcome the ‘not invented here’ mindset and both welcome and use ideas from outside their own organizations.”

ASME has put initiatives in place to create awareness about the growing influence of collaborative work environments on engineering.  In 2008, the Society created an open-source project in which engineers and engineering students collaborated on a project to design of a human-powered water purification system.

As described in the 2007-2008 ASME annual report, the project was housed on the Society’s interactive Web site, ASME Peerlink, allowing participants from around the world to contribute knowledge and insights on the various technical considerations of the water purifier, based on specifications and initial design data entered online.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences.  ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.

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