Kore Kalibre

Kore Kalibrehttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/en-EUhourly82000-01-01T12:00+00:00Kore Kalibrehttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/0a/b197972a8963681016ab4f47868ad7_160x200.jpgIs Asia primed for innovation?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/is_asia_primed_for_innovation~1648345/2007-01-30T07:56:54+01:00 <p>China, India and other Asian countries have a few key comparative advantages today - employee healthcare expenses are low, population is high and enforcement of regulation is not as stringent relative to advanced countries. This makes Asia a great place today for reproducing existing products at a low cost. However, is it primed for new and unique product conceptions for its own or global markets? Individual consumption is still relatively low in their local markets due to lower disposable income, nonetheless, they could focus on global markets. A Chinese company like Vimicro, a supplier of multimedia chips, has 400 patents. Japanese companies have built a strong base of joint ventures in China. The technology transfer is imminent and will continue to increase innovation capacity. The incentive to do so will increase further because labor arbitrage is higher on more difficult jobs leading to even more technology transfer. Thus, Asia’s ability to innovate will improve over the next decade. It would be a stretch to consider that these countries can surpass the developed nations anytime soon. Since the advanced countries have a well developed infrastructure in place, they would continue to lead by being progressive and deliberately innovating. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/is_asia_primed_for_innovation~1648345/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>China, India and other Asian countries have a few key comparative advantages today - employee healthcare expenses are low, population is high and enforcement of regulation is not as stringent relative to advanced countries. This makes Asia a great place today for reproducing existing products at a low cost. However, is it primed for new and unique product conceptions for its own or global markets? Individual consumption is still relatively low in their local markets due to lower disposable income, nonetheless, they could focus on global markets. A Chinese company like Vimicro, a supplier of multimedia chips, has 400 patents. Japanese companies have built a strong base of joint ventures in China. The technology transfer is imminent and will continue to increase innovation capacity. The incentive to do so will increase further because labor arbitrage is higher on more difficult jobs leading to even more technology transfer. Thus, Asia’s ability to innovate will improve over the next decade. It would be a stretch to consider that these countries can surpass the developed nations anytime soon. Since the advanced countries have a well developed infrastructure in place, they would continue to lead by being progressive and deliberately innovating.

]]>Is there a difference between invention and innovation?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/is_there_a_difference_between_invention_~1648325/2007-01-30T07:52:10+01:00 <p>We are still constructing the lexicon of innovation. For those who have a systems view of innovation, define it as the process of introducing new goods and services for use in society. In this more widely accepted definition, invention is part of innovation. Invention is the unique and non-obvious essence of what makes a product, whereas innovation involves many more facets that allow an invention to be conceived and made available for adoption. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/is_there_a_difference_between_invention_~1648325/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>We are still constructing the lexicon of innovation. For those who have a systems view of innovation, define it as the process of introducing new goods and services for use in society. In this more widely accepted definition, invention is part of innovation. Invention is the unique and non-obvious essence of what makes a product, whereas innovation involves many more facets that allow an invention to be conceived and made available for adoption.

]]>How can policy makers advance innovation?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/how_can_policy_makers_advance_innovation~1648290/2007-01-30T07:42:39+01:00 <p>Policy makers act as a catalyst for prosperity. With more countries being tightly integrated into the global economy there is a challenge of security and redistribution of jobs. However, there is advantage of access to bigger consumer markets and labor arbitrage. Instead of focusing on protectionism, the US policy makers are leaning towards promoting innovation. More people would get trained for higher end technical jobs. Policy makers are likely to act by - stimulating training for next generation Americans in multi-disciplinary technical fields, creating recognition for innovators, and streamlining the patent process. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/how_can_policy_makers_advance_innovation~1648290/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Policy makers act as a catalyst for prosperity. With more countries being tightly integrated into the global economy there is a challenge of security and redistribution of jobs. However, there is advantage of access to bigger consumer markets and labor arbitrage. Instead of focusing on protectionism, the US policy makers are leaning towards promoting innovation. More people would get trained for higher end technical jobs. Policy makers are likely to act by - stimulating training for next generation Americans in multi-disciplinary technical fields, creating recognition for innovators, and streamlining the patent process.

]]>Where can you find information on learning how to innovate?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/where_can_you_find_information_on_learni~1648284/2007-01-30T07:40:58+01:00 <p>Innovationthinktank.org will be providing a suite of e-learning experiences in Q2 2005. There will be examples and tools that can be used to conduct innovative activities. Users can flesh out useful product ideas into complete product plans that have higher probability of success.Innovationthinktank.org will be providing a suite of e-learning experiences in Q2 2005. There will be examples and tools that can be used to conduct innovative activities. Users can flesh out useful product ideas into complete product plans that have higher probability of success. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/where_can_you_find_information_on_learni~1648284/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Innovationthinktank.org will be providing a suite of e-learning experiences in Q2 2005. There will be examples and tools that can be used to conduct innovative activities. Users can flesh out useful product ideas into complete product plans that have higher probability of success.Innovationthinktank.org will be providing a suite of e-learning experiences in Q2 2005. There will be examples and tools that can be used to conduct innovative activities. Users can flesh out useful product ideas into complete product plans that have higher probability of success.

]]>Can creativity be harnessed and innovation be learned?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/can_creativity_be_harnessed_and_innovati~1648242/2007-01-30T07:19:48+01:00 <p>More than 20 Million people dream of innovating new products, but only half of them act on it, and even fewer succeed. This is because innovation has been considered a black box in the past. The paradigm is now shifting to one where innovation is deliberate. Creativity is the mental ability to identify and solve new problems. However, innovation happens only when creativity is applied to new products that are useful in society. An effective and efficient approach to innovation can be learned. However, putting them into practice is no easy task. It requires the right specific knowledge and persistence. So, is innovation an art or science? This thought provoking question would be explored more in coming issues. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/can_creativity_be_harnessed_and_innovati~1648242/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>More than 20 Million people dream of innovating new products, but only half of them act on it, and even fewer succeed. This is because innovation has been considered a black box in the past. The paradigm is now shifting to one where innovation is deliberate. Creativity is the mental ability to identify and solve new problems. However, innovation happens only when creativity is applied to new products that are useful in society. An effective and efficient approach to innovation can be learned. However, putting them into practice is no easy task. It requires the right specific knowledge and persistence. So, is innovation an art or science? This thought provoking question would be explored more in coming issues.

]]>Can creativity be harnessed and innovation be learned?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/can_creativity_be_harnessed_and_innovati~1648240/2007-01-30T07:18:46+01:00More than 20 Million people dream of innovating new products, but only half of them act on it, and even fewer succeed. This is because innovation has been considered a black box in the past. The paradigm is now shifting to one where innovation is deliberate. Creativity is the mental ability to identify and solve new problems. However, innovation happens only when creativity is applied to new products that are useful in society. An effective and efficient approach to innovation can be learned. However, putting them into practice is no easy task. It requires the right specific knowledge and persistence. So, is innovation an art or science? This thought provoking question would be explored more in coming issues. <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/can_creativity_be_harnessed_and_innovati~1648240/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> Comments

]]>What present threat is creating the urgency for you to innovate?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/what_present_threat_is_creating_the_urge~1648169/2007-01-30T06:30:44+01:00 <p>The global economy and availability of many new competing products today have created the impetus to innovate more than ever. Clusters of certain work are building around the globe. China has become the hub of manufacturing, much of low-technology work and some hi-technology. For the service and manufacturing work that remains in the US and other advanced countries, competitors can adopt new ideas and techniques that are becoming widely available to out-compete another. Therefore, you have to generate newer and better ideas of useful products that will give you an edge in the market place </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/what_present_threat_is_creating_the_urge~1648169/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>The global economy and availability of many new competing products today have created the impetus to innovate more than ever. Clusters of certain work are building around the globe. China has become the hub of manufacturing, much of low-technology work and some hi-technology. For the service and manufacturing work that remains in the US and other advanced countries, competitors can adopt new ideas and techniques that are becoming widely available to out-compete another. Therefore, you have to generate newer and better ideas of useful products that will give you an edge in the market place

]]>Which sectors are primed for opportunity?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/which_sectors_are_primed_for_opportunity~1648166/2007-01-30T06:28:46+01:00 <p>There are many sectors of need in society - ranging from energy and transportation to communications and health care. In the long-run, there are opportunities to innovate in all sectors. To innovate, you have to start with the needs of consumers who are driving innovation in contemporary society. Health care is increasingly becoming consumer-driven and it would become more predictive and personalized. This trend creates opportunities. Communication would continue to advance towards any information being available to consumers anywhere, at anytime. Need for clean air everywhere would drive the development of hybrid cars, fuel cells and related services. Need for more security and precise identification has already propelled use of biometrics devices. Building materials, electronics, displays, lighting, sensors, and several other areas would continue to transform so that they can support various needs in all sectors. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/which_sectors_are_primed_for_opportunity~1648166/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>There are many sectors of need in society - ranging from energy and transportation to communications and health care. In the long-run, there are opportunities to innovate in all sectors. To innovate, you have to start with the needs of consumers who are driving innovation in contemporary society. Health care is increasingly becoming consumer-driven and it would become more predictive and personalized. This trend creates opportunities. Communication would continue to advance towards any information being available to consumers anywhere, at anytime. Need for clean air everywhere would drive the development of hybrid cars, fuel cells and related services. Need for more security and precise identification has already propelled use of biometrics devices. Building materials, electronics, displays, lighting, sensors, and several other areas would continue to transform so that they can support various needs in all sectors.

]]>Can there be a process for innovation?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/can_there_be_a_process_for_innovation~1648162/2007-01-30T06:26:44+01:00 <p>Increasing number of people are interested in knowing the components of an innovative foresight. In the past innovation has been considered to be simply a random insight and even a momentary "aha". There are actually many variables to innovation which may often come together intuitively for an innovator. Can these variables be identified and then systematized into a process that can be learned, taught or deliberated? We at Kore Kalibre recognize the implications of doing this. If this task could be accomplished, aspiring innovators could learn to generate ideas that would have higher probability of success. Investors could then have a methodology to assess viability and sustainability of such ideas. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/can_there_be_a_process_for_innovation~1648162/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Increasing number of people are interested in knowing the components of an innovative foresight. In the past innovation has been considered to be simply a random insight and even a momentary "aha". There are actually many variables to innovation which may often come together intuitively for an innovator. Can these variables be identified and then systematized into a process that can be learned, taught or deliberated? We at Kore Kalibre recognize the implications of doing this. If this task could be accomplished, aspiring innovators could learn to generate ideas that would have higher probability of success. Investors could then have a methodology to assess viability and sustainability of such ideas.

]]>Why is innovation important to jobs and economy?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/why_is_innovation_important_to_jobs_and_~1648155/2007-01-30T06:18:50+01:00 <p>Recently, increasing number of people have drawn the connection between introduction of new ideas that lead to useful products, and the prosperity of a nation - added jobs, increased wages, and higher standard of living. Any organization, emerging out of useful product ideas, that can sustain employment is beneficial to society overall. Bill Gates and Paul Allen initiated Microsoft in the mid-1970s. Microsoft now employs more than 30,000 people under the leadership of Steve Ballmer. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/why_is_innovation_important_to_jobs_and_~1648155/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Recently, increasing number of people have drawn the connection between introduction of new ideas that lead to useful products, and the prosperity of a nation - added jobs, increased wages, and higher standard of living. Any organization, emerging out of useful product ideas, that can sustain employment is beneficial to society overall. Bill Gates and Paul Allen initiated Microsoft in the mid-1970s. Microsoft now employs more than 30,000 people under the leadership of Steve Ballmer.

]]>Would there be a shift in value for innovators?http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/would_there_be_a_shift_in_value_for_inno~1648145/2007-01-30T06:13:55+01:00 <p>In principle, value is distributed fairly between innovators and financial resource providers. The financial resource provider, an angel, bank or venture fund gets ownership in proportion to the risk they bear. As ambiguity increasingly disappears over time and real validation of possibilities begins to appear, risk decreases. Thus in later rounds of funding, more money buys you lesser ownership. But as innovators become better at describing their quest and possibilities, some perceived risk may be mitigated. One of the main reasons for risk is lack of information. Some information is unavailable or unsought and some is truly unknown. If innovators become savvy at obtaining as much information as possible to crisply support their quest, it could garner more rewards than what the average market conditions dictate. This is possible because there is abundance of capital for superior well thought through ideas.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/30/would_there_be_a_shift_in_value_for_inno~1648145/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>In principle, value is distributed fairly between innovators and financial resource providers. The financial resource provider, an angel, bank or venture fund gets ownership in proportion to the risk they bear. As ambiguity increasingly disappears over time and real validation of possibilities begins to appear, risk decreases. Thus in later rounds of funding, more money buys you lesser ownership. But as innovators become better at describing their quest and possibilities, some perceived risk may be mitigated. One of the main reasons for risk is lack of information. Some information is unavailable or unsought and some is truly unknown. If innovators become savvy at obtaining as much information as possible to crisply support their quest, it could garner more rewards than what the average market conditions dictate. This is possible because there is abundance of capital for superior well thought through ideas.

]]>Best care, immediate & free - McCallister, CEO Humanahttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/best_care_immediate_aamp_free_mccalliste~1641701/2007-01-29T07:05:13+01:00 <p>Consumer, the driving force behind innovation, continues to become more discerning. In healthcare, US consumers have a sense of entitlement that they would not give up any time soon - we want the best care, immediately and free. We look at the health insurance firms to pay the bills for diverse needs - MRIs to annual health checks. Expectations are to get the best help, without delay, and with no out of pocket expense. Innovators in the healthcare space can understand such trends and identify opportunities that can take the system closer to delivering on such ideal expectations. However, questions have been raised on sustainability of this attitude. Healthcare costs continue to escalate. Solutions to this problem are not clear yet. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/best_care_immediate_aamp_free_mccalliste~1641701/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Consumer, the driving force behind innovation, continues to become more discerning. In healthcare, US consumers have a sense of entitlement that they would not give up any time soon - we want the best care, immediately and free. We look at the health insurance firms to pay the bills for diverse needs - MRIs to annual health checks. Expectations are to get the best help, without delay, and with no out of pocket expense. Innovators in the healthcare space can understand such trends and identify opportunities that can take the system closer to delivering on such ideal expectations. However, questions have been raised on sustainability of this attitude. Healthcare costs continue to escalate. Solutions to this problem are not clear yet.

]]>Follow your brain – Ram Charan, Writerhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/follow_your_brain_ram_charan_writer~1641699/2007-01-29T07:02:03+01:00 <p>Today we know more about the workings of the human brain than we ever did. However, we have also learned how much more there is to know. The mechanisms of subconscious and intuitive thought are still a mystery. The chemical and electrical transmissions of trillions of neurons in billions of connections formulate our thoughts. Creativity births in the folds of our amazing brain. Therefore, it is essential to develop good fundamentals and then follow our thoughts. Good fundamentals become the foundation of our sub-consciousness and intuition. They would often guide us in the right direction. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/follow_your_brain_ram_charan_writer~1641699/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Today we know more about the workings of the human brain than we ever did. However, we have also learned how much more there is to know. The mechanisms of subconscious and intuitive thought are still a mystery. The chemical and electrical transmissions of trillions of neurons in billions of connections formulate our thoughts. Creativity births in the folds of our amazing brain. Therefore, it is essential to develop good fundamentals and then follow our thoughts. Good fundamentals become the foundation of our sub-consciousness and intuition. They would often guide us in the right direction.

]]>Climb walls of worry- Steve Forbes, CEO Forbeshttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/climb_walls_of_worry_steve_forbes_ceo_fo~1641695/2007-01-29T06:59:42+01:00 <p>The state of economy plays a crucial part in fostering innovation. There are several stakeholders in the US economy. The investors, individual and institutional, should have the emotional fortitude to resist greed in market hypes and not flight in unnecessary panic. This makes sense as long as many other groups play their part to keep the economic engine running well - the Central bank has kept an eye on controlling inflation before it gets embedded, the office of the president has been proactive with marginal tax relief when necessary, and policy makers are more often engaging in formulating how to create wealth for most citizens. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/climb_walls_of_worry_steve_forbes_ceo_fo~1641695/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>The state of economy plays a crucial part in fostering innovation. There are several stakeholders in the US economy. The investors, individual and institutional, should have the emotional fortitude to resist greed in market hypes and not flight in unnecessary panic. This makes sense as long as many other groups play their part to keep the economic engine running well - the Central bank has kept an eye on controlling inflation before it gets embedded, the office of the president has been proactive with marginal tax relief when necessary, and policy makers are more often engaging in formulating how to create wealth for most citizens.

]]>f it ain’t broke, there are not enough features – H Eslambolchi, CTO AT&Thttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/f_it_ain_t_broke_there_are_not_enough_fe~1641691/2007-01-29T06:56:54+01:00 <p>Adding more useful features cost effectively to your products can create competitive advantage. In addition to your own knowledge, ideas for these features can be obtained from observing other fields or successful products. They can be obtained even through licensing of new patent concepts inside or outside your company. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/f_it_ain_t_broke_there_are_not_enough_fe~1641691/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Adding more useful features cost effectively to your products can create competitive advantage. In addition to your own knowledge, ideas for these features can be obtained from observing other fields or successful products. They can be obtained even through licensing of new patent concepts inside or outside your company.

]]>Do not disenfranchise employees on the frontline – David Neeleman, CEO JetBluehttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/do_not_disenfranchise_employees_on_the_f~1641687/2007-01-29T06:54:41+01:00 <p>Frontline employees are in the position where they can listen to and observe consumers. If you encourage them to notice and interpret information about the likes and dislikes of consumers they interact with, you can find inspiration for new ideas and useful product features. They can be your best allies. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/do_not_disenfranchise_employees_on_the_f~1641687/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Frontline employees are in the position where they can listen to and observe consumers. If you encourage them to notice and interpret information about the likes and dislikes of consumers they interact with, you can find inspiration for new ideas and useful product features. They can be your best allies.

]]>Have the courage of foresight – Ivan Seidenberg, CEO Verizonhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/have_the_courage_of_foresight_ivan_seide~1641675/2007-01-29T06:47:18+01:00 <p>As scientists unravel the secrets of our brain, we are learning more about our mental faculties and sources of prowess. Foresight comes from imaging products and the products' impact on people’s lives in the future. This imagination can utilize information already in your memory. It can induce inquiry for new information. It can also derive missing pieces of information through an analogy. For example, if you deal with cell phone products, you can imagine the 70 million people who do not yet have the phones. What features or prices would they desire? What is your own experience? What are experiences of others with different needs? People like music, can musical ring tones find a innovative foothold? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/have_the_courage_of_foresight_ivan_seide~1641675/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>As scientists unravel the secrets of our brain, we are learning more about our mental faculties and sources of prowess. Foresight comes from imaging products and the products' impact on people’s lives in the future. This imagination can utilize information already in your memory. It can induce inquiry for new information. It can also derive missing pieces of information through an analogy. For example, if you deal with cell phone products, you can imagine the 70 million people who do not yet have the phones. What features or prices would they desire? What is your own experience? What are experiences of others with different needs? People like music, can musical ring tones find a innovative foothold?

]]>Freshest lettuce on the shelf - Peter Weedfald, SVP Samsunghttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/freshest_lettuce_on_the_shelf_peter_weed~1641665/2007-01-29T06:43:59+01:00 <p>Communication devices like the cell phone are changing rapidly. Product innovation, its delivery to the retail shelf, and the release of new product information to the end-consumer are all very critical in recent fast paced introduction cycles. Though you want to continue creating new "fresh lettuce", that is new products, if the end-consumer does not learn about it quickly enough you may lose your window of opportunity to sell. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/freshest_lettuce_on_the_shelf_peter_weed~1641665/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Communication devices like the cell phone are changing rapidly. Product innovation, its delivery to the retail shelf, and the release of new product information to the end-consumer are all very critical in recent fast paced introduction cycles. Though you want to continue creating new "fresh lettuce", that is new products, if the end-consumer does not learn about it quickly enough you may lose your window of opportunity to sell.

]]>Understand regulations – David Neeleman, CEO JetBluehttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/understand_regulations_david_neeleman_ce~1641656/2007-01-29T06:37:26+01:00 <p>The context in which innovative ideas unfold is critical. If one is too focused on product features and consumer needs alone, institutional factors like regulation could be overlooked. In transportation, healthcare, food or communications sectors, regulations takes center stage. What are the existing regulations that can impact your innovative product or service? What regulations are likely to come about in the life of the product? Are these opportunities or threats? Such questions should be answered in the exploration phase. David chose JFK airport as his hub because of the potential 2.5 million passengers living within its 10 mile radius. He was able to procure flying slots. However, he was still challenged by the problem of potential delays due to traffic congestions at this lucrative but busy hub of international flights. He studied the regulations and found that if JetBlue flew under 16,000 feet it could avoid the congestion created by transcontinental flights that had to fly at above 30,000 feet by regulation. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/understand_regulations_david_neeleman_ce~1641656/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>The context in which innovative ideas unfold is critical. If one is too focused on product features and consumer needs alone, institutional factors like regulation could be overlooked. In transportation, healthcare, food or communications sectors, regulations takes center stage. What are the existing regulations that can impact your innovative product or service? What regulations are likely to come about in the life of the product? Are these opportunities or threats? Such questions should be answered in the exploration phase. David chose JFK airport as his hub because of the potential 2.5 million passengers living within its 10 mile radius. He was able to procure flying slots. However, he was still challenged by the problem of potential delays due to traffic congestions at this lucrative but busy hub of international flights. He studied the regulations and found that if JetBlue flew under 16,000 feet it could avoid the congestion created by transcontinental flights that had to fly at above 30,000 feet by regulation.

]]>Focus on un-served segments - Ruiz, CEO AMDhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/focus_on_un_served_segments_ruiz_ceo_amd~1641651/2007-01-29T06:34:42+01:00 <p>Identifying an opportunity is the first step towards innovation. One has to read a pattern of what could be adopted by customers in the future. One of the easiest ways is to look at an existing product, and find ways to provide it to a wider audience that is presently un-served. This segment may aspire for such goods or services, but may presently have restricted access or affordability due to factors non-obvious to most people. If such factors could be uncovered by aspiring innovators - it would be the beginning of an innovative foresight! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/focus_on_un_served_segments_ruiz_ceo_amd~1641651/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Identifying an opportunity is the first step towards innovation. One has to read a pattern of what could be adopted by customers in the future. One of the easiest ways is to look at an existing product, and find ways to provide it to a wider audience that is presently un-served. This segment may aspire for such goods or services, but may presently have restricted access or affordability due to factors non-obvious to most people. If such factors could be uncovered by aspiring innovators - it would be the beginning of an innovative foresight!

]]>Life science is analogous to film industry - Josh Boger, CEO Vortexhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/life_science_is_analogous_to_film_indust~1641649/2007-01-29T06:32:22+01:00 <p>Film industry relies on blockbusters. It increasingly requires large budgets and longer cycles for development. Such characteristics create high risks and high returns. For instance, New Line Cinema may have over 200 movies in development, of which less than 5 may go into production, others may be on hold or in "turn around". This looks much like pharmaceutical companies that may have several products in clinical trials, some on hold, and others considered for out-licensing. The larger question Josh raises is whether a small pharmaceutical company needs to be the innovator as well as the distributor of products? In some cases, Josh has decided to partner with giants like Merck to utilize their distribution. In other instances where the distribution and marketing is easier, Josh is taking the product all the way himself. Further using the film analogy, Josh does not hesitate to be just the creator of the film, and leave the gigantic task of distribution to someone else. Peter Jackson was rewarded handsomely for Lord of the Rings blockbuster while leaving the heavy lifting of distribution to New Line Cinema. Similarly, Josh hopes to be handsomely rewarded for his creations as well. No wonder recently his company Vertex was paid $20 MM for a preclinical product by Merck with another $14 MM deferred over the next 2 years to be followed by $35 MM in royalties. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/life_science_is_analogous_to_film_indust~1641649/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Film industry relies on blockbusters. It increasingly requires large budgets and longer cycles for development. Such characteristics create high risks and high returns. For instance, New Line Cinema may have over 200 movies in development, of which less than 5 may go into production, others may be on hold or in "turn around". This looks much like pharmaceutical companies that may have several products in clinical trials, some on hold, and others considered for out-licensing. The larger question Josh raises is whether a small pharmaceutical company needs to be the innovator as well as the distributor of products? In some cases, Josh has decided to partner with giants like Merck to utilize their distribution. In other instances where the distribution and marketing is easier, Josh is taking the product all the way himself. Further using the film analogy, Josh does not hesitate to be just the creator of the film, and leave the gigantic task of distribution to someone else. Peter Jackson was rewarded handsomely for Lord of the Rings blockbuster while leaving the heavy lifting of distribution to New Line Cinema. Similarly, Josh hopes to be handsomely rewarded for his creations as well. No wonder recently his company Vertex was paid $20 MM for a preclinical product by Merck with another $14 MM deferred over the next 2 years to be followed by $35 MM in royalties.

]]>Choose right ideas - Robert Wiesman, Boston Globehttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/choose_right_ideas_robert_wiesman_boston~1641645/2007-01-29T06:27:10+01:00 <p>In existing organizations, there maybe plenty of new ideas; however, choosing the right one for growth is crucial. Choosing the right idea should be a goal-oriented process rather than a simple brain-storming activity. It should also involve picking the right people to execute the idea. Once the idea is approved, speed is important to get the product to market before potential competitors can introduce their own response. Thus returns on innovation can be improved by thinking through goals, execution and speed.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/choose_right_ideas_robert_wiesman_boston~1641645/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>In existing organizations, there maybe plenty of new ideas; however, choosing the right one for growth is crucial. Choosing the right idea should be a goal-oriented process rather than a simple brain-storming activity. It should also involve picking the right people to execute the idea. Once the idea is approved, speed is important to get the product to market before potential competitors can introduce their own response. Thus returns on innovation can be improved by thinking through goals, execution and speed.

]]>Fermentation, Frenzy, Fruition - Charney, Sr. VP Ciscohttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/fermentation_frenzy_fruition_charney_sr_~1641626/2007-01-29T06:13:13+01:00 <p>Business cycles are a necessary evil. There is an early period over which new technologies are introduced in several products. They soon hit a tipping point in many areas. In response to accelerated demand and a perceived low hanging fruit, new entrants and several imitations overcrowd different fields leading to frenzy. After the frenzy, we go through a period when the bad ideas hit bankruptcy and the good ones prevail. Howard Charney at Cisco categorized these three phases of the cycle as fermentation, frenzy and fruition. This cycle explains the state of the US market from the late 1990s till today. The introduction of a new communication platform, the internet, led to an over-enthusiasm of possibilities. This led to many failures and a few successes. More recently, rationalization of value and need has returned eventually nourishing good ideas.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/fermentation_frenzy_fruition_charney_sr_~1641626/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Business cycles are a necessary evil. There is an early period over which new technologies are introduced in several products. They soon hit a tipping point in many areas. In response to accelerated demand and a perceived low hanging fruit, new entrants and several imitations overcrowd different fields leading to frenzy. After the frenzy, we go through a period when the bad ideas hit bankruptcy and the good ones prevail. Howard Charney at Cisco categorized these three phases of the cycle as fermentation, frenzy and fruition. This cycle explains the state of the US market from the late 1990s till today. The introduction of a new communication platform, the internet, led to an over-enthusiasm of possibilities. This led to many failures and a few successes. More recently, rationalization of value and need has returned eventually nourishing good ideas.

]]>Disruptive marketing - Michael Ruettgers, Chair EMChttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/disruptive_marketing_michael_ruettgers_c~1641624/2007-01-29T06:09:33+01:00 <p>We have discussed disruptive products at length in our past newsletters. Michael Ruettgers makes an interesting argument on how he has used disruptive marketing at EMC. By proactive and aggressive campaigns he raised the expectations of his customers in the mid-1990s. The disruptive approach argues that there is an average level of technology that majority of customers demand at an instant of time in history. Some organizations that are overambitious and exceed market expectations are often passed by competitors who may start by introducing a lower than average technology. Sony started by launching convenient but poor quality radios, however, it eventually surpassed all other technology leaders like RCA. EMC under Mike's leadership did the same against IBM. In addition to disrupting products, they also disrupted marketing by educating the customers, thus, increasing customers' demand for technology to keep up with EMC's incremental technology introductions.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/disruptive_marketing_michael_ruettgers_c~1641624/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>We have discussed disruptive products at length in our past newsletters. Michael Ruettgers makes an interesting argument on how he has used disruptive marketing at EMC. By proactive and aggressive campaigns he raised the expectations of his customers in the mid-1990s. The disruptive approach argues that there is an average level of technology that majority of customers demand at an instant of time in history. Some organizations that are overambitious and exceed market expectations are often passed by competitors who may start by introducing a lower than average technology. Sony started by launching convenient but poor quality radios, however, it eventually surpassed all other technology leaders like RCA. EMC under Mike's leadership did the same against IBM. In addition to disrupting products, they also disrupted marketing by educating the customers, thus, increasing customers' demand for technology to keep up with EMC's incremental technology introductions.

]]>Pay attention to analogical thinking - Gavetti & Rivkin, Strategistshttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/thrive_on_criticism_robert_redford_cinem~1641623/2007-01-29T06:06:01+01:00 <p>There has been increasing emphasis on quality of thinking. Should thinking about new ideas be on a trial and error basis alone? A short cut is to use relevant analogies of past events to think about new ideas. When Intel was enjoying success at its pinnacle, it worried about its down fall. It compared itself to the large successful steel mills that were threatened by upstart mini-mills providing cheaper products. Intel had resisted production of cheap micro-processors. With this relevant analogy they focused on production of a cheap Celeron product for inexpensive PCs to avoid a threat similar to upstart mini-mills. Another example of relevant analogies is Circuit City. Circuit City started CarMax claiming its previous success in electronic retailing could be replicated in a similar used car industry environment. Analogies are powerful; however, they should be used with caution. A superficial analogy to legitimize your own bias could be problematic. Enron's analogy that broadband could trade like natural gas was flawed. Unlike the state of natural gas supplies today, broadband was a new technology in a very competitive environment involving huge costs to provision.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/thrive_on_criticism_robert_redford_cinem~1641623/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>There has been increasing emphasis on quality of thinking. Should thinking about new ideas be on a trial and error basis alone? A short cut is to use relevant analogies of past events to think about new ideas. When Intel was enjoying success at its pinnacle, it worried about its down fall. It compared itself to the large successful steel mills that were threatened by upstart mini-mills providing cheaper products. Intel had resisted production of cheap micro-processors. With this relevant analogy they focused on production of a cheap Celeron product for inexpensive PCs to avoid a threat similar to upstart mini-mills. Another example of relevant analogies is Circuit City. Circuit City started CarMax claiming its previous success in electronic retailing could be replicated in a similar used car industry environment. Analogies are powerful; however, they should be used with caution. A superficial analogy to legitimize your own bias could be problematic. Enron's analogy that broadband could trade like natural gas was flawed. Unlike the state of natural gas supplies today, broadband was a new technology in a very competitive environment involving huge costs to provision.

]]>Work within your style - Nick Bollettieri, Founder Tennis Academyhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/work_within_your_style_nick_bollettieri_~1641620/2007-01-29T06:02:43+01:00 <p>Nick Bollettieri is a successful entrepreneur who started a tennis academy in Florida. His academy has observed that every individual is different and unique. However, there are fundamental principles of strokes and court movement that all good tennis players should understand for superior performance. You can hone your individual style around fundamental good principles. Success in a new venture follows a similar pattern, innovators may be different from one another, however, sound principles that guide success are similar across the board.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/work_within_your_style_nick_bollettieri_~1641620/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Nick Bollettieri is a successful entrepreneur who started a tennis academy in Florida. His academy has observed that every individual is different and unique. However, there are fundamental principles of strokes and court movement that all good tennis players should understand for superior performance. You can hone your individual style around fundamental good principles. Success in a new venture follows a similar pattern, innovators may be different from one another, however, sound principles that guide success are similar across the board.

]]>Organize around vision - Eric Schmidt, CEO Googlehttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/organize_around_vision_eric_schmidt_ceo_~1641615/2007-01-29T05:59:33+01:00 <p>Innovation begins with foresight. Once the opportunity is brought into sharp focus, it defines a vision. It includes the portfolio of products and a unique proposition to introduce them. An organization has to be built around this unwavering vision. The organization includes a set of responsibilities to be fulfilled and people who would perform them.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/29/organize_around_vision_eric_schmidt_ceo_~1641615/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Innovation begins with foresight. Once the opportunity is brought into sharp focus, it defines a vision. It includes the portfolio of products and a unique proposition to introduce them. An organization has to be built around this unwavering vision. The organization includes a set of responsibilities to be fulfilled and people who would perform them.

]]>Survival of good ideas - Ivan Seidenberg, CEO Verizonhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/survival_of_good_ideas_ivan_seidenberg_c~1619118/2007-01-25T12:57:54+01:00 <p>Ideas are plentiful though a selective few are funded. Of those that are funded even fewer are successful. Resources tend to flow to superior ideas. Thus good ideas survive, other ideas wither away in the process of creation and introduction. Good ideas are coherent and flexible to allow for inherent uncertainty and market fluctuations.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/survival_of_good_ideas_ivan_seidenberg_c~1619118/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Ideas are plentiful though a selective few are funded. Of those that are funded even fewer are successful. Resources tend to flow to superior ideas. Thus good ideas survive, other ideas wither away in the process of creation and introduction. Good ideas are coherent and flexible to allow for inherent uncertainty and market fluctuations.

]]>Right drug, right time, right patient - Rajuhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/right_drug_right_time_right_patient_raju~1618927/2007-01-25T12:22:37+01:00 <p>Drug personalization is the future in medicine. At some point in the future, appropriate drug and its predictive dose would be individually matched to patients. Genomics promises a radically different age in medicine. The cause of disease and its probability of occurrence would be predicted well in advance. However, when will we get there, in this century or beyond? Much data would have to be collected to enable personalization. In addition, the system of administering medicine would have to be revamped for this new technology. This could take a long time.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/right_drug_right_time_right_patient_raju~1618927/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Drug personalization is the future in medicine. At some point in the future, appropriate drug and its predictive dose would be individually matched to patients. Genomics promises a radically different age in medicine. The cause of disease and its probability of occurrence would be predicted well in advance. However, when will we get there, in this century or beyond? Much data would have to be collected to enable personalization. In addition, the system of administering medicine would have to be revamped for this new technology. This could take a long time.

]]>Thrive on criticism - Robert Redford, Cinema Pioneerhttp://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/thrive_on_criticism_robert_redford_cinem~1617650/2007-01-25T07:07:47+01:00 <p>When pioneers arrive at their venture proposition, it is not obvious to others. Often people resist something new. Criticism that erupts from the inability of others to grasp a new finding could be used in constructive ways. It may not be a bad idea to surround oneself with the so-called, devil's advocates, as long as they do not overwhelm you with pessimism. Criticism challenges current findings. The effort to defend one's position can lead to deeper insights or consideration of options previously not considered.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://korekalibre.blog.co.uk/2007/01/25/thrive_on_criticism_robert_redford_cinem~1617650/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>When pioneers arrive at their venture proposition, it is not obvious to others. Often people resist something new. Criticism that erupts from the inability of others to grasp a new finding could be used in constructive ways. It may not be a bad idea to surround oneself with the so-called, devil's advocates, as long as they do not overwhelm you with pessimism. Criticism challenges current findings. The effort to defend one's position can lead to deeper insights or consideration of options previously not considered.

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