How To Encourage Workers To Suggest Innovation?

An anonymous reader writes "The software company where I work has an Innovation and Knowledge program that encourages workers to provide ideas for new products and suggestions to improve the work place, productivity or welfare. The ideas and suggestions are evaluated by a board that decides whether they should be implemented or not. The group of workers with more ideas participates in a raffle to receive a prize. I would like to know what other programs people have seen like this and how they differ. What is the best way to encourage workers to suggest new products to be made / researched by the company?"

Comments

First idea

[srussia]

Whatever you do, discard all first suggestions. They're all just wannabe first posters.

All I can think of is Simpsons

[CrazyJim1]

Homer: [watching vending machine] Apple... Apple... Apple... come on, Candy Bar... [looking at an apple in the machine] Hey, I know you! You're that first apple I didn't want! That sinks it! I'm really gonna get let them have it this time! [writing on a notepad next to the suggestion box] No more apples in the vending machine PLEASE!! Then Mr. Burns gets it and reads it in a demeaning voice "Oh, don't worry, there will be plenty of apples in the vending machine."

Simple

[Locke2005]

What is the best way to encourage workers to suggest new products to be made / researched by the company?
"Ever since the Phoenicians invented money, there has been only one answer to that question." -- Clarence Darrow

Re:Prizes and Royalties

[PeanutButterBreath]

So I come up with an idea that could save the company thousands, or even millions of dollars. and, I get a toaster oven. nice incentive.

Not quite. Its a raffle, so you might get a toaster oven. Or you might not. Nobody knows! You're intrigued -- I can tell.

Re:Criticism is better

[davejenkins]

Sigvatr! Get back to work and stop screwing around on the Slashdots!

Pussy

[bluefoxlucid]

Keep a couple easy HR girls that flirt entirely too much, and leave them with a date with Yatori in HR. Asian girl makes some totally inappropriate advances after dinner...