Orica's Journey

Employees have submitted more than one hundred ideas since edison365ideas was introduced in 2017, with nine of those being taken forward. Ideas so far have ranged from an increased focus on specific industry needs to internal process improvements, and project proposals for research.

One great example of the success of the platform was the idea to establish a programme of honorary and emeritus positions at Orica for retired staff. The purpose of the programme is to retain access to many of Orica’s highly valued and knowledgeable employees, while recognising their achievements, and encouraging loyalty amongst future generations of Orica’s most talented people.

Because many of its staff come from science and engineering disciplines, Orica finds they have the kind of enquiring and questioning minds that respond to the strengths of edison365ideas. Employees particularly enjoy the tagging, voting, campaigns, and reporting features. The R&I team augments the platform with regular ‘shark tank’ style’ innovation sessions, and offers awards and hack days to encourage use.

Even at such an early stage, R&I management believes the platform has improved innovative thinking in general, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. Research Support Lead Magdalena Ball says it also shows new recruits that Orica is serious about ideation and innovation.