Oil Spill Recovery and Innovation

The Oil Spill Recovery Institute in Cordova, Alaska, was formed after the Exxon Valdez spill to address oil spill cleanup in subarctic waters. The challenge of cleaning viscous oil led to a global call for solutions via InnoCentive. A construction engineer from the Midwest won by suggesting the use of vibrating construction equipment to keep oil liquid, similar to cement. This solution is now being implemented, highlighting the power of diverse thinking and passion over monetary rewards.

What was the primary focus of the Oil Spill Recovery Institute?

• Building oil refineries

• Cleaning up oil spills in subarctic waters

• Developing new oil drilling techniques

• Promoting oil consumption

How many barrels of oil remain off the coast of Alaska from the Exxon Valdez spill?

• 750,000 barrels

• 880,000 barrels

• 1,000,000 barrels

• 500,000 barrels

What was the unique approach suggested by the construction engineer to keep oil liquid?

• Using chemical additives

• Using heat lamps

• Using high-pressure water jets

• Using modified construction equipment

What type of equipment was suggested to be modified for oil recovery?

• Bulldozers

• Cranes

• Construction equipment that vibrates cement

• Excavators

What is the role of diversity in problem-solving according to the transcript?

• It complicates the process

• It brings in a variety of perspectives leading to innovative solutions

• It is not necessary

• It slows down decision-making

What did John Davis do with his prize money?

• Bought new equipment

• Donated it to charity

• Traveled to Alaska to meet the people he helped

• Invested in stocks

What is the main lesson from John Davis's story?

• Money is the most important reward

• Passion and making a difference are more valuable than monetary rewards

• Innovation is not necessary for problem-solving

• Only experts can solve complex problems

What platform does the Oil Spill Recovery Institute use for challenges?

• Patreon

• GoFundMe

• Kickstarter

• Innocentive

What was the prize amount for the winning solution?

• $40,000

• $10,000

• $20,000

• $30,000

What is the significance of the Oil Spill Recovery Institute's approach to problem-solving?

• It emphasizes open innovation and collaboration

• It focuses on traditional methods

• It relies solely on internal resources

• It avoids using technology