For a couple of years, my lab managers would rely on my idea rate in setting quarterly goals for number of invention disclosures filed. Yes, we did MBO and OKR even in research labs.
Fortunately, I was able to keep my filing to disclosure ratio quite high (21/36) (even if it was never tracked officially). Agree that just because the company decides to file a patent does not automatically make it a good idea.
Eventually I got back to coding and went away from ideas. The gulf between ideas and implementation is not just time, its also mindset. I am learning how to balance the two.
Except, in this case, trying out approaches and alternatives means treating humans as the subjects of the experiment. Some may get degraded experience, others may complain unnecessarily.
Furthermore, the problem in this particular instance there is a lack of agreement on the objective metrics by which to measure and optimize. ($Cost, %Insured, Access, Availability of Advanced Treatments, Eligibility for Procedures, Choice of Providers, etc.)
b) What if some monkeys just want to play with bananas? Why should some monkey decide that "lifelong learning" is better for them?