The InnovationXchange, also known as IXC UK, is a Birmingham, UK-based open innovation services provider, whose purpose is to identify and create collaborative business, research and policy opportunities.
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History
The InnovationXchange was founded in 2003, with a business model based on the works of John Wolpert (formerly of IBM's Alpha Works and Extreme Blue) and Henry Chesbrough.
Originally known as the Australian Industry InnovationXchange Network, its aim was to provide an open network for improved communication across industry, government, universities and the community.
In 2004 the InnovationXchange (IXC) undertook a pilot with John Wolpert to test the concept of using 'trusted intermediaries' i.e. facilitating confidential exchange of sensitive information.
The pilot demonstrated that often organisations do not understand why external parties might value their capabilities. Further, they may not have assessed their capabilities and/or considered partnerships. This pilot was supported by the Commonwealth and Victorian governments.
This pilot was deemed a success and in 2006, the University of Birmingham licensed the InnovationXchange model in the UK.
As a publicly-available example of the services IXC provide (as most work is highly confidential), in 2010 the company 'matched' Jaguar Land Rover and with Bladon Jets, innovators of micro gas turbines.
Operation
IXC operates via a legal and ethical framework to enable organisations to connect with external sources of knowledge, ideas or technologies, or markets for business development, whilst protecting their Intellectual Property (IP).