R&D approach based on multiple partners and Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile concepts: A case study in the electricity sector

Authors

  • Lorenna Fernandes Leal University of São Paulo
  • Artur Tavares Vilas Boas Ribeiro University of São Paulo
  • Victor Romão Lunica
  • Guilherme Soares Gurgel do Amaral ISA CTEEP
  • Ricardo Altmann Lunica
  • Ricardo Kahn ISA CTEEP
  • Bruno Guilherme Pacci Lunica
  • Marcos Avo Lunica
  • Mario Sergio Salerno University of São Paulo
  • Guilherme Ary Plonski University of São Paulo
  • Eduardo Zancul USP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14488/BJOPM.2021.003

Keywords:

R&D, Electricity sector, Project governance, Lean Startup, Agile

Abstract

Goal: The paper aims to increase the understanding of the results and challenges that arise when running R&D projects based on multiple partners and the integration of Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile concepts.

Design / Methodology / Approach: We followed a case study approach in the electricity sector. Two project cases were studied, using triangulated data from interviews, internal documents, and non-participant observations.

Results: The results of the Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile concepts application in R&D projects show improvements in knowledge absorption, solution improvement through collaborative insights between partners, and identification of short-term opportunities. Some challenges, however, were identified, such as noisy integration, the role of the project manager requiring a sophisticated skillset, and complicated decision-making processes.

Limitations of the investigation: The conclusions have the inherent limitations of a case study conducted in one industrial sector and two projects led by one company.

Practical implications: The evolving competitive landscape demands more effective pathways to foster innovation. Recent approaches to innovation have challenged R&D practices. This study discusses a new way of addressing R&D efforts with multiple partners by integrating Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile concepts.

Originality / Value: The combined and coherent application of concepts derived from Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile in R&D practices in the electricity sector is new. The high volume of R&D activity in the electricity sector makes this in-depth analysis both relevant and valuable.

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Published

2021-01-06

How to Cite

Leal, L. F., Ribeiro, A. T. V. B., Romão, V., do Amaral, G. S. G., Altmann, R., Kahn, R., Pacci, B. G., Avo, M., Salerno, M. S., Plonski, G. A., & Zancul, E. (2021). R&D approach based on multiple partners and Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile concepts: A case study in the electricity sector. Brazilian Journal of Operations & Production Management, 18(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.14488/BJOPM.2021.003

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Case study

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