When Good Intentions Go Bad
Procter & Gamble has been a leader in open innovation, with their Connect + Develop program helping to bring products like the Swiffer Duster to the world. Their new goals call for open innovation to contribute $3 billion USD in sales. Part of this goal includes becoming the “partner of choice for innovation collaboration by consistently delivering win-win relationships, bringing the best minds to work against the biggest projects to deliver the biggest game-changing wins for consumers,” according to their website.
Unfortunately this ambitious initiative is off to a rocky start… at least for the company’s business and partnerships in India, which has generated quite a bit of controversy. At the end of last year P&G launched a competition in partnership with the Indian government’s Department of Science and Technology. (DST)
The competition’s first challenge, worth a cash award of $1,000 plus possible commercialization, was for a skin whitening alternatives to hydroquinone, a chemical that is banned in several countries including the European Union.
“Unfortunately, in our society, especially for girls, white skin is a feature which is supposed to lead to a better price in the marriage market, for example,” says Vineeta Bal a senior scientist at the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi. “I think for a government department it is inappropriate to promote social prejudices in the society.”
While that challenge was criticized for helping to propagate racist attitudes in the country, the next challenge, for cheaper alternatives to silicones in shampoos, lotions, and other beauty products, was hardly better received. Researchers argue that the Indian government has more pressing issues for its scientists to address.
The DST is quick to defend the P&G challenge, saying it is only a minor part of the department’s overall strategy and activity. A spokesperson for P&G also says the company will continue the challenge in India.
Reader Comments
I do believe that you just just struck the actual nail for the brain with this certain post.
Posted by German Yoxall on July 19, 2012
Hi there. Amazing, exciting post, and a little out in the box. My partner and i learned something new today!
Posted by Cristobal Naughton on July 16, 2012
Add your Comment
[LOGIN FIRST] if you're already a member.fields are required.