Insights from Open Strategy Workshop in Zurich

Our team recently participated in the anticipated workshop Oxford & Zurich Open Strategy Workshop: Taking Stock and Moving Forward. This esteemed event was aimed for scholars and practitioners to engage in meaningful dialogue about the current state and future direction of open strategy research. Our project delivered two research posters, both delving into contemporary themes of this phenomenon.

In the first poster Eero and Frank presented part of conference theme Dilemmas and Tensions in Open Strategy their poster Paradoxical tensions as drivers of open strategy work.  The second poster focused on the experiences of open strategy. Mia and Jori presented a case study titled Non-participation in Open Strategy: Barriers to Participation in a Low-Hierarchy Organization.

Emergent Themes 

Throughout the workshop, several emergent themes were recurrently discussed, reflecting the collective concerns and aspirations of the growing community.

The Importance of Embracing Failures

One of the most resonant themes was the importance of recognizing and embracing failures of the implementation process . The dialogue underscored that failure is not just an endpoint but a crucial part of the learning and innovation process. Participants shared insights on how to create organizational cultures that do not stigmatize failure but rather view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

The Role of AI in Shaping Open Strategy

AI's role in Open Strategy was another prominent theme. Discussions highlighted how AI can augment strategic processes by providing data-driven insights, predicting trends, and enabling more informed decision-making. However, there was a consensus on the need for a balanced approach that considers ethical implications, biases, and the potential for AI to inadvertently perpetuate existing inequalities.

Addressing White Washing in Strategy

The critical examination of white washing practices brought a vital perspective to the workshop. It was evident that while many organizations claim to practice open strategy, there is often a gap between their stated intentions and actual practices. The discussions called for greater accountability and transparency, urging organizations to move beyond performative actions and genuinely commit to openness.