As an innovation leader, I found that finding high-quality learning events was always a challenge.
After 11 years of running my consultancy, the offers have improved in number and depth. The professionalisation of the Innovation Manager role is gaining momentum.
Just before the summer, I was host of a Roundtable at the Innovation Rethink in Cambridge. Around 100 innovation leaders gave up a couple of days to be informed, educated and entertained (a little).
Why ReThink?
Because we can become settled in our ways. In just 4 years a teams can see a drop off in the novelty of ideas and effectiveness.
And because practice moves on.
Think about a time in the mid-1990s when Stage Gate was a novelty.
The Head of the Institute for Manufacturing, Tim Minshall, opened the event.
“Firms now operate in an environment that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, driven by rapid technological, economic and geopolitical changes. Given the scale and speed of current and likely future changes, the important question is whether the current approaches to innovation are still “fit for purpose”. The rest of the event provided a rich set of responses to that question, from a broad range of perspectives.”
Speakers from the industry presented in parallel with an academic partner.
Andy from Domino talked about how they built momentum for the shift in innovation capability.
Sarah from Coca-Cola showcased the digitisation of their supply chain.
And Andrew from Johnson Matthey shared how AI and digital were boosting their approach to Open Innovation.
There are three main bits of value I believe a good ReThink can give.
First, of course, the knowledge and ways of thinking.
The second meeting of peers, those who walk the same path as you. Maybe a little ahead or on a different course.
But perhaps the third is the connection of dots, of insights and Ah Ahh! Moments.
Save the Dates
The next event is likely to have a Sustainability theme.
Save 2-3 April 2025 in your diaries for a day and a night in Cambridge; do it now! I’ll share more information to follow nearer the time via LinkedIn and email.
Have a further read about rethinking innovation here >>