Where is serendipity?

“Does your innovation culture create diagonal

serendipity lines?”

Miikka Leinonen’s

#melt

M i i k k a L e i n o n e n

If you are not familiar with the melt theory

first take a look at this presentation

meltThe Theory

Where is serendipity?

“Does your innovation culture create diagonal

serendipity lines?”

Distinct innovation methods.2

One aiming for predetermined results, the other for serendipity.

MATERIALLY ALIGNED

INNOVATION

2IMMATERIALLY

ALIGNED INNOVATION

1

1

A company focused on the material world aims to define the end result as accurately as possible.

1

Product under development

Operating models of this type are typical,

for example, in the pharmaceutical industry.

1

2

The company seeks immaterial elements it

thinks will lead to the desired result.

Competence, talent…

2

3

1

2

Development work of the material world is usually expensive. The company

aims to use resources efficiently to achieve the

desired outcome.

3

MATERIALLY ALIGNED

INNOVATION

2IMMATERIALLY

ALIGNED INNOVATION

1

1Intangible services can be developed faster and more

cost-efficiently. The company decides to

focus on those.

1This is a typical

operating model for todays startups.

Now that it’s financially possible for the company to

have vaguer goals it can make use of immaterial

elements in a broader way.

2

2

11 1

2

2

11 1

It can activate and allow different elements to

converge.

Now that it’s financially possible for the company to

have vaguer goals it can make use of immaterial

elements in a broader way.

3Diagonal serendipity

lines are created when companies don’t strive to

outline elements according to the material world, but instead approve elements that are far enough apart

on a horizontal plane.

3Area of serendipity

Area of serendipity

If the immaterial world determines the paradigms of a company’s innovation process, the impact on the material world is difficult to

anticipate.

Area of serendipity

Area of serendipity

4

4

4

MATERIALLY ALIGNED

INNOVATION

IMMATERIALLY ALIGNED

INNOVATION

Although these two innovation methods can be linked to the same company, usually structures adopted for the needs of deep material

innovation prevent companies from moving horizontally.

Tips on finding your diagonal serendipity lines.

A B C D

Migrate away from the material world.

A B C D

Move from products to services. Or bundle products

together with services.

Find diverse immaterial elements.

A B C D

Look for people with different backgrounds, talent and

motivators. Don’t forget your external immaterial pool!

Let the elements melt together.

A B C D

Create an open environment for ideas to melt and amplify each other.

Expect to receive the unexpected.

A B C D

Be prepared to move fast to catch the surprising fruits of

the immaterial amplification.

How to create the optimum circumstances for serendipity?

Diagonal serendipity lines are created when

companies strive to utilize both immaterial and material elements

that are far apart on a horizontal plane.

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