Open Innovation and Technology's Role in Economic Development and Innovative Technologies

Enemies of innovation are all around. It's time to confront their arguments, says James Woudhuysen. While the some people seem to wallow in the myth of innovate, and others commercialise, the one thing we do seem to be innovating are excuses to avoid risk-taking in business

We might recognise that there was a time when the unpredictability of innovation was regarded as exciting, not dangerous.

The concept “Open Innovation” is quite new (Henry Chesbrough, 2003). It refers to the in- and outflow of knowledge with the aim of accelerating internal innovation within the companies and amplifying the market for its external use.

Basically, the process of generating ideas consists in detecting opportunities and problems, looking inside and outside the organization. Alfons adds an explanation: “Companies have to undertake an “open innovation”, consisting in the constant exploration and observation of the market as an alternative or complementary method to the traditional R+D department of those companies with a “closed innovation”.

One of the most important methodologies when it comes to innovation is the adequate handling of the “Payback Curve” or the analysis of the cash flow accumulated during the process of design, promotion and selling of the product. The key to the most successful businesses is the recovery of the investment in a reasonable time, or a small initial investment, allowing for profits almost from the beginning.

Special emphasis in respecting the environment.All innovative ideas or solutions related with energy, pollution or toxicity, new materials, life cycle of the products or social development,technologies , communications ,internet , design , pharmaceutical, medicine, agriculture ,mineral industries .

Technology's Role in Economic Development and Innovative Technologies Anchor Day Two of the 2009 International CES Technology and Emerging Countries Program Features Keynotes from Intel's Craig Barrett and Cisco's John Chambers
LAS VEGAS, Jan 10, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Technology's role in advancing economic development in emerging markets and predictions for the next big trends in technology were the focus of day two at the 2009 International CES(R).

Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)(R), the 2009 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, runs through tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett delivered a keynote address on Friday, as part of the Technology and Emerging Countries Program (TEC) at CES. Prior to Barrett's address a brief video was shown, produced by CEA and W3RA, detailing an initiative which collected and recycled 150,000 computers from seven states. The video led viewers through the entire donation and recycling process that ultimately created 150 jobs in the U.S. and resulted in 56,000 refurbished computers being shipped overseas.

During his keynote, Barrett discussed a number of technology initiatives that are key in advancing economic development in emerging regions: access to inexpensive technology, connectivity and content. Barrett, joined by Adam Levin of Maroon 5 and Counting Crows' Adam Duritz, acknowledged initiatives such as Kiva.org, NetHope, Save the Children, the Greybird Foundation and Kids for Tomorrow for the work they have done to improve lives around the world through education, business development and health care.

After unveiling the third generation of the low-cost Classmate PC, Barrett announced the launch of www.SmallThingsChallenge.com, a campaign where Intel will donate five cents per click on the site toward educational access and economic development.

Following Barrett's address was the TEC panel, "Reaching the Promise of Universal Access to Technology: Creating the Global Tech Ecosystem," in which industry experts discussed the importance of technological innovation as a catalyst for advancement in developing countries.
Industry leaders took part in the SuperSession, "Big Thinkers and Disruptive Technologies- Today's Thought Leaders, Tomorrow's Technologies
more information : www.CESweb.org
John Chambers, Cisco Systems CEO, delivered the closing TEC keynote address.

Chambers spoke passionately about the role technology can play in companies and countries. "Speed is the answer--the fast will always beat the slow, but you need a plan for where to go." He outlined five key pillars of strength for a country--education; infrastructure; high-speed broadband to allow information to be shared; innovation and market transitions and a supportive government.