Building and Sustaining Innovative Cultures in Academic Settings

Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 10:15 AM

Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FAAN
Arizona State University College of Nursing & Health Innovation, Arizona State University College of Nursing, Phoenix, AZ

Innovation is a commonly used “buzz word” by business leaders, entrepreneurs, private corporations, as well as healthcare and academic institutions throughout the United States (U.S.). Typically defined as the introduction of something new or radical, the word innovation often refers to new products, processes, services or techniques that lead to positive change. Although innovation is often viewed as necessary for continuous improvement, high-quality care and scientific advancement, barriers in creating and sustaining innovative academic environments abound and require effective leadership to overcome them. This presentation will discuss the barriers to fostering innovation in academic settings and highlight key strategies for overcoming these barriers to build and sustain an innovative culture.