Episode 23: What does serendipity have to do with innovation? with Dr Wendy Ross, London Metropolitan University
While we might like to think that innovation is a rational and considered process with a clear formula for success, the reality is somewhat different. Trial & error, failure and even serendipity all play a crucial role in the innovation process and recognising the value of these is more important than ever. Dr Wendy Ross is a Senior Lecturer at London Metropolitan University. She is particularly interested in serendipity and its role in creativity and innovation. Her research explores how we can best foster these at both an individual and an organisational level. She has published research on collaborative creativity as well as serendipity and creativity. She is an invited member of several international networks and has been asked to talk about her research in Europe and the US. She is the co-editor of two collections on Serendipity, The Art of Serendipity and Serendipity Science, and secretary of the Serendipity Society as well as its conference chair. In 2021 she was awarded the Frank X Barron prize by Division 10 of the American Psychological Association. She is currently working on serendipity and innovation in the business environment as well as examining small moments of “accident” and how we can turn them to our advantage.