True stories have the power to change lives and alter outcomes, but that can only happen if they are told and shared. Stories that go untold risk being lost to the world forever, almost as if they never happened at all.
The morning newspaper would create a lasting record of every important story unfolding in the tech transfer office and with researchers, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and external partners. These snapshots of significant moments in time would be an indelible recording of events that become part of history. If we don’t keep a record of these stories, we risk losing the lessons and insights they offer, not just for our contemporaries but also for future generations to come.
The newspaper (working title: Hack Cancer) is the heart of the data governance office. Above Goal uses several methods to gather research and tell stories. One of the most effective is a model that we specifically designed for brainstorming called the Drawing Board. Our Drawing Board sessions are a dynamic, free-flowing exchange of ideas between stakeholders. These sessions are also used to gather information for discovery purposes to better understand requirements and needs.
Information gathering is useful, but it becomes exponentially more powerful if we enable others to access the information. Organizations needn’t be stuck in a loop that leaves staff always starting from scratch. We must effectively disseminate these stories if they are going to create synergy. We can publish special features that frame decision points, outline milestones, and draw attention the important work being done by researchers. The morning newspaper will illustrate crossroads and publicize exciting developments. All content will be aligned with the mission, greater purpose, vision, and values.
Scientists enjoy working together, but they must know what else happening in the field so they can form the necessary alliances more frequently and effectively. Hack Cancer can spark more collaborations and cooperation. It will provide a smooth and invigorating start to each day, putting all internal stakeholders on the same page. The content, which would be customized, will highlight current trends, provide bite-sized actionable insights, and publicize promising breakthroughs. Combined with sharp analysis, this will form the content backbone to keep all interested parties in the know. This flow of information will spark conversation, inspire action, and highlight opportunities.
In addition to building awareness, the Hack Cancer news vehicle will play a role in furthering the overarching goal of enhancing data collection. It will provide another medium for sharing stories and collecting information.