Inbox: Middle managers hold the key to R&D

Despite continuous growth in research and development (R&D) spending, many senior leaders remain deeply concerned about their organisation’s ability to innovate. New research by Booz & Company points to an unexpected and unheralded source of potential productivity in the R&D function: mid-level managers
Booz says companies can significantly raise their R&D productivity by recognising and activating the unique impact of leaders in the middle of the organisation’s hierarchy.
“Our research with pharmaceutical companies reveals that leaders in the middle of the hierarchy have singular ability to identify the company’s most creative bench scientists – and to help them cultivate new scientific insights and connect with the most promising external sources of innovation. These mid-level managers are an underused asset. They can nurture and navigate promising ideas through complex organisational decision making, reinforce an environment of top-quality science, and keep the brightest minds engaged day in and day out.”
Better use of the mid-level cohort can be critical factor leading to breakthroughs in innovation effectiveness in range of industries, not just in pharmaceuticals, says Booz & Company. M