A pattern language for innovation management

The work of architect Christopher Alexander in articulating the field of pattern languages for architecture has been extended to several other fields, notably object oriented software development, project management and technology management. Alexander calls for the identification of patterns in areas of creativity (e.g. architecture, programming) and human activity (e.g. project management) which when taken together form a comprehensive and interrelated set of entities comprising a language that defines best practices in that area. Alexander has a well defined process to identify patterns and criteria for selecting and creating patterns beneficial for action by the practitioner. Most often the discovery of patterns and development of a language for a field of practice is done by a community of practitioners. This paper presents the application of Alexander´s pattern language approach to innovation management practice. Specifically it proposes the development of a community of practice composed of technology managers, both practitioners and academics, to discover and publish patterns and form a pattern language for the practice of innovation management. Examples of patterns in innovation management are presented as a starting point in the discussion.