Innovation – “Making a difference in an emerging economy”

Innovation for growth is a road map that business needs to meet today’s global challenges। As innovation is an important topic in study of technology, along with economics, business, entrepreneurship, design, sociology and engineering; even I got an opportunity to be a part of a summit on Innovation and listen to how innovations are making difference in various industries.

The subject was “Innovation- Making a difference in emerging economy”, at Sixth India Innovation summit by CII.

I think most of us believe that advances in many field of human activity would require the application of information technology. Same was addressed by Chairman of Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt। Ltd., referred to four technologies that would prove transformative. First is cloud computing, the second area would be “the profound shift in the way we engage with machines, using touch, body and voice applications in everyday life,” he said. The graphical user interface (GUI) would give way to the natural user interface (NUI). A NUI relies on a user being able to carry out relatively natural motions, movements or gestures that they quickly discover control the computer application or manipulate the on-screen content. The most descriptive identifier of a NUI is the lack of a physical keyboard and/or mouse. Thomas Edison once said, “There is way to do it better- find it”.

The third transformative innovation would make use of technologies that enable the use of any surface as a screen। The fourth element of the transformation would be a more democratic access, aided by the plummeting cost of computing.

Later, the discussion happened on the new models of innovation: Power of Networks, Open Source and Collaborative Competition। Merck & Co., Inc. a global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of human and animal health products; does collaborative development. I think their molecule innovation process with partners was similar to collaborative development at SAP.
One thing was discernible throughout the session that where there are major challenges, there are major opportunities। Be it either as product, solution or a process, but there is need for innovation. There is a strong need for collaboration between academic and R&D institutes, industries and market need.

There was an example discussed on innovation, The 25,25 metres truck combinations developed under the branding of EcoCombi which influenced the name of EuroCombi for an ongoing standardization effort in European Economic Area. With the 50% increase in cargo weight, the fuel efficiency increases with an average of 20% with a corresponding relative decrease in carbon emissions and with the added benefit of a third less truck on the road.
By using mobile networks, a private company named A Little World (ALW), a Branchless Banking Platform leverages low-cost technology to integrate micro banking with a brand-new multi-bank payment network branded ZERO। The ZERO platform converts new generation Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile phones into secure and self-sufficient bank branches. These no-frill accounts are based on biometric customer identification and enable a large variety of transactions in villages.

“What” is used for problem definition, innovation should answer “How” to solve it। Somewhat similar was discussed by Idit Biton from SIT.

A systematic technique to innovation increases inventive group thinking across a range of business issues। Johnson & Johnson used a method called Systematic Inventive Thinking, which uses templates to help regulate individual thinking and channel the ideation process in a structured way. One example of the template is subtraction. It suggests removal of an essential component from a product or service so as to create a new product or service. For example, music players like iPod has cassette removed, an exercise bicycle has had the rear wheel removed. A package of powdered soup has had the water removed and the ATM has had the cashier removed. In each case, taking something away created a new innovation use or benefit.

One can define innovation broadly into, products and services, new business models and best practices। How you do things in a company – that’s also innovation. Innovation is not an option, it’s a must.

“Obviously everyone wants to be successful, but I want to be looked back on as being very innovative, very trusted and ethical and ultimately making a big difference in the world” -Sergey Brin

Introverts and Networking

It’s not that I don’t speak, but I find it difficult to speak to just anybody. I am not shy but I am a bit introvert. I can speak in a private group and even in public for that matter, but I just find it difficult to chit-chat or small gossip talks. I like to go to social events, gatherings but after I go there I find it a bit hard to mingle in group. Generally I know some people in the crowd, but I am not able to really be a part of the talk. I would rather sit at home and talking to someone over phone. I would be more comfortable that ways.

I was in a comfortable environment during my graduation days; I did not have to face new people very often. The lecturer would come, speak and go; not much interaction I had to do rather speak only if required. The situation turned a bit tough during my Master’s degree as it expected me to do a lot. It was not just study, but group discussions, social events, corporate events and lot more interaction levels. I tried not to participate and not even go to social event and part of gathering; rather stay in cocoon safeguarded by my comfort group. Now, out of the people in those gatherings; some are at similar places or levels like me but some are at heights. Some of them might not even remember me and we do not know what other person is doing. Even though we had similar qualification, somewhat similar opportunities but then what was different. At least in some cases, it was the network we created.

For good or bad, to improve or to destroy, or may be just for no change; connections make the world move. Today I was reading that networking is important to grown towards my desired job profile. People say it is important in almost all the sectors. If I know someone who can help to find relevant information then I can save lot of time. Otherwise I have to find someone for it, who might not even bother to reply to request from a stranger. It would be faster if we were even acquaintances. If I don’t network then I might not find a person with specific information or skill and might not know where to find. Then I have to either outsource the task, or search on internet etc. for task accomplishment.

So, as I am progressing, I am learning and some part of these I try to share if there are takers. For people like me, I have read few things about networking.
You can find the information by writing or calling to someone or via someone’s reference. But this can only work if you have a relevant network path. You saved time and of course; effort. This applies in many areas of work, be it my task or some organization information. So, a multilevel chain of emails, internet search etc. or just few levels reference calls; choice is mine. Is networking worth investing?

You have to sit with groups and learn; learn what to do, how to mingle with them and of course to find the right place and right people. You might have to call someone as father of the subject matter, even if it is really not true. But it can be true as well, and so are you speaking.

If you know that you cannot just really talk easily to strangers, but want to build network still. Why to just rush but to start one or two events a month. Ok, let us accept that it is still difficult for people like you and me so how about starting with connecting to 2 people in a month. Rush it easy.

I don’t like to talk about myself, I don’t like boasting around but then how will someone know and appreciate me? Why not to talk something about myself, which fits the context of conversation? If people like what you did then they will appreciate you, accept your thoughts and ideas. People know you by what they know about you, not by what they don’t know about you.

Meet people for short talks. Talking to someone while making a cup of coffee or dressing up in rest room can also contribute. Spend lunch time with regular group also so that you do not loose on those.

Does my interest support talking? I can talk to people about market, stock tips, health & fitness or even about workplace.

I don’t really need a key for every lock but a key maker would be better option. I have to handle fewer objects. Likewise, I should find someone who has links if not the link itself.
Aage daurrh aur pichla chorrh, is a wrong way. Do regular interaction with your important key makers or they might shift their shop and you will not even know where they went.

Karat karat abhias se, jarhmatti hot sujaan. Today it is still difficult for me to continue a talk with newly met, but it is still better than not opening at all and should improve to talk of the table. But for that, I still need to learn and exercise…
करत करत अभ्यास के, जड़मति होत सुजान ,
रसरी आवत जात ते, सिल पर परत निसान
-KABIR