Using behavioral data to increase the likelihood of success

Solving the funding gap and knowledge gap that restricts the advancement of science and technology

By: Curtis Sprouse

Nov 2015

In September the EurekaConnect Executive Forum (ECEF) held its first live conference. The objective was to unite leaders from the biotech, pharmaceutical, academic, investment and government sectors and charge them with developing a solution to the funding gap and knowledge gap that restricts the advancement of science from the academic institution into commercially viable solutions that improve the human condition.

During the meeting, more than 50 participants were broken into teams. After listening to an overview of the problem and various perspectives from all the industry constituents, the teams spent time on day one brainstorming solutions. On day two, they developed five models/solutions to address the problem. The five models were presented/pitched to the other participants.

Following the pitch session, the participants who formed the nucleus of the membership for the ECEF voted to develop white papers that will synthesize the ideas into one action plan. This action plan will be used to form an entity, hire a CEO, secure funding, and start the process of improving the model.

The ECEF has gone from idea to action in less than one year. This could not have been accomplished without the support off very capable and experienced people from many organizations with very different objectives.

Ensuring the success of the ECEF was the use of behavioral data. The meeting participants were recruited and prepared for the meeting using behavioral data. The data was used to identify many of the participants—people who had not only demonstrated career success over long periods of time but also had the capacity to collaborate. The participants demonstrated high levels of social acumen and situational acumen.

Social acumen is the ability to build relationships and show genuine care and compassion for others, while respecting ideas and understanding why people hold them. Situational acumen is the ability to be open minded, take in information given many different factors, and move in new directions while advancing the insight of others to form the best solution to the problem. The teams were formed using behavioral data to improve team dynamics with the objective of creating this productive dynamic.

The data was also used at the individual level to prepare people for the event and to help them understand how they could optimize their time with peers.Over 90% of the participants had 20 years or more of professional experience. This was a seasoned group of leaders, yet the EurekaConnect Executive Forum was able to identify people who are not only interested in solving a problem, but advancing their skills set at the same time. The ECEF membership believes this is a unique approach. One that could prove transformative on many levels as the effort to solve the funding and knowledge gap advances.

The real work is just getting started, but the ECEF is off to a good start. Forty participants have agreed to volunteer their time to actively support the advancement of the idea, as they see the power of proven leaders working to achieve a common goal.

If you are interested in learning more about this effort or being part of the Executive Forum, please contact us.

Note: Scores and profiles referenced in this article refer to characteristics defined in the EurekaConnect Behavioral Dynamics program