These Attributes Make a Successful Open Innovation Solver 

Ever wondered if you could make your mark in the fascinating world of open innovation? This growing field is ready for fresh minds to join in and start solving some of today’s most intriguing challenges. 

But what does it really take to succeed in this space? Our team at MindSumo has gathered insights directly from some of the most successful solvers in the open innovation community, and their experiences reveal what drives their success. 

Do You Have These Traits for Open Innovation Success?

Is there a specific personality type that excels at solving open innovation challenges? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are certain skills and qualities that top solvers and highly skilled professionals consistently rely on to succeed. Across the board, the most successful solvers point to three key characteristics they all share: 

Solvers Are Deeply Inquisitive

It’s more than just casual curiosity. Successful solvers have an insatiable desire to figure things out. Their natural inquisitiveness is what initially draws many people to open innovation.  

But here’s what’s interesting: the challenges themselves then fuel even more curiosity, which opens up entirely new lines of thinking they hadn’t considered before. This constant exploration and learning becomes almost addictive for many solvers, driving them to tackle increasingly complex challenges over time. 

Solvers Are Creatively Fearless

Technical knowledge is important, sure—but it’s only part of the equation. The solutions that win don’t just think outside the box; they completely reimagine what the box could be in the first place. 

This creative fearlessness means being comfortable with taking intellectual risks and exploring unconventional connections between seemingly unrelated fields. Anyone can apply standard solutions, but winners develop the ability to combine ideas in ways nobody has tried before. 

Solvers Are Healthily Competitive

The solver community is packed with brilliant, creative people who have impressive expertise. Maintaining a competitive drive is what keeps successful solvers pushing beyond their first or second idea to find truly breakthrough solutions. 

This isn’t about competing against others as much as it’s about challenging yourself to outthink both the problem and the conventional approaches to solving it. That competitive spirit drives innovation forward. 

See: 5 Best Practices From Top Open Innovation Solvers  

Open Innovation and Other Work Opportunities Available to You

If this all sounds good to you, you might be a perfect fit for the world of open innovation. Everyone starts somewhere, and many successful solvers began with small challenges before working their way up to bigger competitions. 

What aspects of open innovation sound most exciting to you? The intellectual challenge, the networking opportunities, or perhaps the chance to earn recognition and rewards? Whatever your motivation, there’s likely a place for your unique perspective in this growing field. 

Interested in entering the world of open innovation? Start by checking out MindSumo, where challenges are available for solvers at all experience levels. 

If you’re an independent consultant, small business owner, or other highly skilled professional, be sure to check out the MBO marketplace to discover project opportunities with Fortune 500 companies, federal government agencies, and other top organizations.