For this writing assignment, you will investigate and apply concepts to the company Ecovative Design. As you explore the links, below, you’ll be able to do the following:
·Follow their story
·See the development of their technology
·Learn how their company and innovation strategy mesh together
·Gain insight into their new directions and investments in project development that build on their platform technology
You should also see evidence of an innovation ecosystem.
For this activity, complete the following:
1.Review the following websites. The company’s information and several short videos will provide you with the information needed to address the questions listed below. You may explore beyond these links if desired.
i.“Our Foundry”
ii.“Our Purpose: Support LIfe on Earth”
iii.“MycoComposite”
iv.Ecovative Design
v.“Method for Producing Grown Materials and Products Made Thereby”
vi.“Ecovative Design Awarded $9.1 Million U.S. Department of Defense Research Contract to Develop & Scale a New Generation of Living Building Materials”
vii.Citation: GROW.bio. (2017).Ecovative design awarded $9.1 a million U.S. Department of Defense Research contract to develop and scale a new generation of living building materials.https://grow.bio/blogs/press-releases/ecovative-design-awarded-9-1-million-u-s-department-of-defense-research-contract-to-develop-scale-a-new-generation-of-living-building-materials
viii.
Ecovative Design (video)
ix.Citation: VentureWell. (2014, September 16).Ecovative design[Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/HqmCSml15jU
x.
An Inside Look at Ecovative's Production Facility | Forbes
xi.Citation: Forbes. (2015, January 12).An inside look at ecovative’s production facility | Forbes[Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/snIvRhmsUZQ
xii.
How to Grow Giant Mycelium Parts
xiii.Citation: Ecovative Design. (2018, August 17).How to grow giant mycelium parts[Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/p1BV9oJTuN8
xiv.
Ecovative Design: Manufactured Wood Made Without Trees
xv.Citation: Bloomberg QuickTake Originals. (2015, April 13).Ecovative design: Manufactured wood made without trees[Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/DCjoiRa6aMQ
xvi.
NOVA | Mushroom Material | PBS(optional)
xvii.Citation: PBS. (2013, October 17).Nova | Mushroom material | PBS[Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/OpDXD0WBZuQ
xviii.
Eben Bayer: Are Mushrooms the New Plastic?
xix.Citation: TED. (2010, October 4).Eben bayer: Are mushrooms the new plastic?[Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/zmDENxTPn8Q
2.This module centers on aligning a company’s innovation strategy with its overall strategy. After reviewing the above websites and videos, assess the strategic wisdom of Ecovative’s expansion into various product lines. Apply one or more concepts from the readings.
1.State which product/technology expansion(s) you are assessing.
2.Identify Ecovative’s overall strategic positioning. That is, who do they compete against?
3.What is their core competency? What is the core technological capability that underlies their strategy?
4.How important is intellectual property protection to Ecovative?
5.What types of partnerships does Ecovative have with other entities in its ecosystem? What is the purpose of these partnerships?
3.Apply the aggregate project planning portfolioas best you can to map out their product lines and technology investment.Use the template provided in the lecture slides and fill it in based on your assessment of Ecovative.