An Early Introduction to Open Innovation in India
Schoolchildren in India are getting an early introduction to entrepreneurship, innovation and open innovation.
It has been announced that 457 Tinkering Laboratories are going to be set up in some of the country’s high schools.
Tinkering Labs are open innovation workspaces equipped with tools such as simple robots, 3D printers and measuring instruments. Individuals or teams of pupils are encouraged to work together on simple ideas and challenges.
It is a form of play meets science where students can see the benefits of working collaboratively. Namely, how people with different ideas with different ways of thinking can work together as part of a greater whole.
Promoting Innovation
The labs are being promoted by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the Indian government’s endeavor to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
In the very near future, AIM will launch a Mentor India movement to encourage experienced adult volunteers to spend whatever free time they can spare to help students in a local Tinkering Lab.
There are still lots of things that need to be ironed out, such as how to select mentors, what to look for in a mentor and the training regime to give successful candidates. In addition, a reward system will be set up to acknowledge excellence in mentoring. It is likely that this will be some sort of public recognition as opposed to financial awards.
Entrepreneurs and Innovators of the Future
Above all, the labs and the mentoring program are examples of the determination of the Indian government to promote entrepreneurship and the value it sees in encouraging enthusiasm in the arena among the country’s youth.
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