Background

Complex problems require diverse ideas and potentials

Teams in the field of research and development are increasingly focusing on diversity. Internationality and interdisciplinarity are not uncommon in this area. However, there is a lack of women in the field of innovation, especially in natural sciences and technology. Unattractive working conditions affecting work/life balance, stereotypical ideas of competence, and a lack of support from immediate superiors continue to make it difficult for women to gain access to these fields and to pursue successful careers in them.

So how can we attract and integrate the innovative potential of women more effectively? How can we diversify socially and culturally heterogeneous teams in the most ideal way? How can we create a culture of cooperation that thrives on the diversity and uniqueness of our employees?

The modular structure of the “toolbox” allows for a targeted search for measures and instruments to promote diversity in the area of innovation. These help companies to develop their innovation units at the structural, procedural, social, and cultural levels so that women – and employees with a diverse range of characteristics and qualities – can contribute ideas and collaborate creatively. After all, there are many positive aspects to a work environment that specifically focuses on a culture of diversity.

Image by Shridar Gupta on Unsplash

The measures and instruments of the Toolkit: Women & Diversity in Innovation improve

job satisfaction, productivity, and personal commitment to the company
social cohesion and the creative exchange of knowledge
the problem-solving and decision-making abilities of teams and the capacity to learn
flexibility in terms of international competition and access to new markets
the attractiveness of the company as an employer of choice

Background

Complex problems require diverse ideas and potentials

Further Reading