By Marte C. W. Solheim
I was recently invited by NRK Rogaland, the regional radio broadcaster to discuss my promotion to full Professor in Innovation Studies and to talk about how diversity fosters innovation. Below I share some of the reflections that I made before going into the studio, what I shared regarding my research on diversity and innovation, and share some tips for preparing for a radio interview.
The radio station called me on a Tuesday afternoon and we talked briefly on my research topic. The host then asked me if I would want to come in the following day to discuss some of my research and the recent promotion. I agreed, and the following day, I biked down the short ride from the University of Stavanger campus to the radio station.
Arriving at the radio station
I entered the radio station, and sat down in a sofa outside the recording studio looking in at the studio through the glass wall separating me and the people in the studio. There was a speaker situated right next to me allowing me to listen in on what they were talking about.
The hosts Bjørn Olav Skjæveland and Øystein Ellingsen had a guest with them; the Norwegian artist Morten Abel. Mr. Abel was talking about his career and that he is inviting everyone in Stavanger to his 60th birthdayparty – concerts later this autumn. It is also my birthday in October, and a round day too, and as I sat there, I was silently contemplating a joint celebration, haha.
Morten came out from the recording studio, and told me that I was up. I walked in, and felt my heart skipping a beat, as I was not really sure exactly what questions they would ask me, and what we would focus on in this rather short interview.
Preparation in advance
However, in advance, I had contemplated on what I wanted to highlight, and I could divide it into three core messages. These were the following:
1. What is diversity, what is innovation, and what is their connection,
2. No automatic linkages between diversity and innovation,
and 3.Organizational routines and “stirring up” the work environment and innovation.
As I entered the room, the radio was playing the song “I Wanna Be the Only One” by the British R&B group Eternal, from 1997. This was the most-played song on European Radio by a British group in that year. That sound brought me straight back to my childhood!
As the song faded, the hosts, Bjørn Olav and Øystein, introduced me and my promotion and explained that we were going to discuss what makes workplaces creative and innovative.
The first question they asked me in relation to the introduction was: Is diversity a strength?
I said YES!
Diversity and Innovation
Then I turned to discussing how diversity is quite a broad concept, and that it can be understood as a difference on any attribute that may lead to the perception that that invidual is different from self. I explained how I have over the last ten years, investigated different forms of diversity, such as foreign-born workers, diversity in terms of experience background etc. and have looked at how these different diversity ‘constructs’ affect various forms of innovation differently.
Moreover, I highlighted that innovation is different from invention, as an innovation is implemented onto a market. And that innovation is a social process where different people meet in order to solve something. Innovation tends to take place when a variety of knowledge intersects! Exactly when you are able to get that fruitful fricton that diversity might spur, going.
Foreign-born workers and networks
I discussed some of the findings from this paper: “Foreign Workers Are Associated with Innovation, But Why? International Networks as a Mechanism” that I wrote together with Professor Rune D. Fitjar.
In this paper, we find evidence that firms with highly educated foreign workers collaborate more frequently with international partners. We moreover find a positive relation between having a variety of international partners and the probability of product innovation and new-to-market product innovation.
In the radio interview, I tried to avoid using very technical language. As a specific example, I also explained the difference between innovations that are new to the firm versus those that are new to a world market.
No automatic relationship between diversity and innovation
I then moved on to discussing that it is not enough to get lots of diversity “through the door”.
It is important not assuming an automatic relationship between diversity and innovation, but that one needs to foster this, for this to take place. This is something I write more about here.
We then moved on to discussing how companies need to foster a company culture that allows different voices to be heard, as well as incorporate routines for this to happen.
You can hear the whole interview here (only in Norwegian).
Messages from friends and colleagues
When I stepped outside, I had recieved messages from colleagues and friends that had listened to the interview on their way home from work. That was encouraging, and also a reminder to all of us: how important it is to acknowledge other people, and say it! This made me think of kindness in academia, which I will post more on later on (stay tuned!). It also motivated me, to share some tips on how to prepare for a radio interview, and maybe you would like to comment and add something below?
Some tips on preparing for a radio interview:
- Time is short. You will not get to say everything you have planned/would like to. So first tip is to think of a few (lets say three) key messages that you wish to convey.
- If you are stuck on what to answer, you could try to find a way to revert back to any to these three core messages.
- Keep it simple: Keep a simple language. If you are able to, practice what you will say to your hairdresser, neigbour, your or others children, your partner, etc.
- Provide relatable examples: in my interview I shared how the Welsh rugby team started doing ballett to stir up the routines and use different muscles as a metaphor for what I was explaining.
- Have fun!
It is also key to think of your target group when you are going to prepare: who are the listeners? So if it is for a more ‘general audience’, a kid`s radio show, etc. you can use different examples, but important anyways, is to keep it simple and clear and avoid technical jargon.