Tag Archives: sustainability

Building a Greener Future with Sustainable Innovations

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In a world where environmental concerns are more pressing than ever, the imperative to pioneer sustainable innovations has never been clearer. While the challenge is daunting, it is also brimming with opportunities for companies, individuals, and societies to lead transformative change. This article delves deep into the concept of sustainable innovations and presents compelling case studies to inspire our collective journey toward a greener future.

What are Sustainable Innovations?

Sustainable innovations are developments that meet present societal needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs. It is about designing products, services, processes, and business models that have minimal negative impacts on the environment while adding value to society and enhancing economic viability.

Why is Sustainability Essential?

Environmental Preservation: Limiting the use of non-renewable resources and reducing emissions can help mitigate climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution.
Economic Growth: Sustainable practices can lead to new industries, job creation, and economic resilience through energy savings, waste reduction, and efficient resource utilization.
Social Responsibility: Consumers increasingly demand that companies act as responsible stewards of the planet, leading to higher brand loyalty and reputation.

Case Study 1: Tesla’s Electric Vehicle Revolution

When we talk about sustainable innovations, it is impossible to overlook Tesla’s monumental impact on the automotive industry. Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by creating compelling electric vehicles (EVs) has redefined what we thought possible.

Key Innovations:

Electric Drivetrain: Tesla’s electric vehicles, powered by advanced battery technology, prove that high performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. With increasing ranges and decreasing costs, EVs are now a viable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.
Supercharger Network: Tesla has built an extensive global network of high-speed charging stations, addressing one of the main barriers to EV adoption — range anxiety. These stations are powered increasingly by renewable energy sources, ensuring that the shift to electric vehicles truly benefits the environment.
Autonomous Driving: Tesla’s integration of autonomous driving technology aims to improve traffic efficiency, reduce accidents, and potentially lower the energy consumption associated with driving, thus contributing further to a sustainable future.

Case Study 2: Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan

Unilever, a global consumer goods giant, has demonstrated how large corporations can embed sustainability at the core of their business strategy through its Sustainable Living Plan, first launched in 2010.

Key Innovations:

Sustainable Sourcing: Unilever has committed to sustainably sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials. By doing so, it supports biodiversity, enhances soil health, and ensures the livelihoods of farmers and workers.
Circular Packaging: Unilever is a leader in reducing plastic waste. Its innovations in circular packaging involve creating recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025. Initiatives like the “Refill Revolution” encourage consumers to bring back reusable containers, significantly reducing single-use plastics.
Carbon Reduction: The company has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2039. This includes optimizing the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to transportation. They’ve reduced emissions through energy-efficient practices, renewable energy use, and redesigning products to minimize environmental impact.

Path Forward: Embracing Sustainable Innovations

While the efforts of companies like Tesla and Unilever are inspiring, they should not be outliers but rather the norm. Here are a few ways to foster a culture of sustainable innovation:

Cross-sector Collaboration: Collaboration between businesses, governments, academia, and NGOs can spur innovation. Shared knowledge and resources can amplify the impact of sustainable solutions.
Consumer Awareness and Engagement: Educating consumers about the benefits and importance of sustainable products can drive demand, incentivizing businesses to innovate.
Regulatory Support: Governments can play a crucial role by providing incentives for businesses to invest in sustainable practices and penalizing those that fall short.
Investment in Research and Development: Continuous investment in R&D is essential for discovering breakthrough technologies and processes that drive sustainability.

Conclusion

The journey toward a sustainable future is long and complex, but it is undeniably the path we must take. Sustainable innovations not only mitigate environmental damage but also offer economic and societal rewards.

As thought leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and citizens, we all have roles to play in fostering and adopting sustainable innovations. Together, let’s build a greener, brighter, and more equitable future.

SPECIAL BONUS: The very best change planners use a visual, collaborative approach to create their deliverables. A methodology and tools like those in Change Planning Toolkit™ can empower anyone to become great change planners themselves.

Image credit: misterinnovation.com

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The Rise of Circular Economy and its Implications for Businesses

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The Rise of Circular Economy and its Implications for Businesses

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the way businesses approach sustainability and resource management. The concept of a circular economy has gained significant traction, offering a viable solution to address environmental concerns, resource scarcity, and economic inefficiencies. This thought leadership article explores the rise of the circular economy and delves into its implications for businesses, showcasing two inspiring case studies.

1. Case Study: Patagonia’s Worn Wear Program:

Patagonia, the renowned outdoor clothing company, has become a pioneer in adopting circular economy principles. In 2013, they launched their innovative Worn Wear program that encourages customers to repair, reuse, and recycle their clothing and gear. By offering free repairs, Patagonia extends the lifespan of their products, minimizing waste and tapping into the potential of a ‘circular’ supply chain.

This program not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters strong customer loyalty. Patagonia’s commitment to durability, ethical manufacturing practices, and resourcefulness resonates with their target audience, inspiring them to value the brand and its sustainable values. Through the Worn Wear program, Patagonia has not only positively impacted the environment but also created a sustainable business model driven by circularity.

Implication for Businesses:

Patagonia’s Worn Wear program showcases that embracing circular economy principles can lead to enhanced brand reputation, customer loyalty, and long-term profitability. By extending the lifespan of products, companies can reduce raw material usage, production costs, and environmental footprint. Aligning business strategies with circularity can reap substantial benefits for companies across various sectors.

2. Case Study: Philips Lighting’s Circular Economy Model:

Philips Lighting (now Signify), a global leader in lighting solutions, has successfully implemented a circular economy model, illustrating the potential of circularity in mechanical and electrical products. Philips initiated a circular program called “Light as a Service” that delivers lighting solutions to customers while retaining ownership of the products.

Rather than selling light bulbs, Philips Lighting provides illumination as a service, ensuring proper maintenance, upgrades, and recycling at the end of the product’s life cycle. By transitioning from selling products to providing comprehensive lighting solutions, Philips shifted from the traditional linear model to a circular economy approach.

Implication for Businesses:

Philips Lighting’s circular economy model demonstrates the potential for businesses to transition from selling products to offering services. By retaining ownership of products, companies can ensure responsible end-of-life management, resource efficiency, and reduced waste generation. This shift towards service-oriented business models enables companies to establish long-term customer relationships based on trust, sustainability, and shared value.

Conclusion

The rise of the circular economy presents a transformative opportunity for businesses to embrace sustainability, innovate new business models, and enhance their bottom line. The case studies of Patagonia’s Worn Wear program and Philips Lighting’s circular economy model highlight the significant implications and benefits of adopting circularity – from strengthening brand reputation and customer loyalty to reducing resource consumption and waste generation.

In a world facing environmental challenges and increasing resource constraints, businesses must recognize that the circular economy is not just an ethical imperative but also a powerful driver of growth and competitive advantage. By activating empathetic thinking and embracing circularity, businesses can pave the way to a more sustainable and prosperous future for both themselves and the planet.

Bottom line: Understanding trends is not quite the same thing as understanding the future, but trends are a component of futurology. Trend hunters use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist and trend hunter.

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Innovative Solutions for Addressing Sustainability Challenges

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Innovative Solutions for Addressing Sustainability Challenges

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

As we grapple with environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources, the clarion call for sustainable solutions has never been louder. Our world is facing a myriad of sustainability challenges that threaten our future and that of generations yet unborn. As a thought leader in the realm of innovation, I firmly believe that the key to effectively addressing these challenges lies in innovative transformations that go beyond mere technological changes.

Part of my conviction draws from different corners of the globe where innovative solutions are breathing life into sustainability efforts. Today, I’d like to share a couple of these compelling case studies to illustrate how diversified innovative approaches can be harnessed to address sustainability challenges.

Case Study 1: Enerkem, Canada

Enerkem uses technology to convert non-recyclable waste into cellulosic ethanol, a sustainable alternative to gasoline. The company’s innovative technology prevents waste, such as plastics and textiles, from ending up in landfills, making a significant dent in the rising global waste crisis. Furthermore, converting this discarded waste into ethanol presents an eco-friendly substitute for fossil fuels, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Enerkem’s innovation not only solves the problem of waste disposal but also addresses sustainability by providing cleaner energy sources.

Case Study 2: The Seabin Project, Australia

Another exciting illustration of an innovative solution to sustainability challenges is the Seabin Project in Australia—a clear example of how simplifying technology can incite enormous environmental change. This floating rubbish bin collects trash from the ocean’s surface, consequently improving the water quality of our oceans.

The Seabin’s simple design belies its massive potential. By pumping water into the device, debris is drawn into a catch bag, removing trash, oil, fuel and detergents from the ocean surface. The Seabin Project is a perfect exemplar of thinking outside the box to create innovative, simple, yet highly effective solutions to address environmental sustainability issues.

Conclusion

In these two case studies, the underlying thread is clear: innovative solutions hold the power to address our world’s sustainability challenges. Whether it’s through complex bio-chemical processes or straightforward mechanical devices, these stories demonstrate that where we see insurmountable problems, innovation sees opportunities.

Our responsibility, therefore, is to nurture a culture of innovation that can turn challenges into breakthroughs. This means investing in research and education, fostering collaboration across sectors and disciplines, and most importantly, engraining sustainability into the DNA of our societal, economic and political systems.

As we look to the future, there’s tremendous potential for innovation to play a pivotal role in curating sustainable solutions. Each of us, individuals, corporates, and governments, must rise to the challenge, embrace innovation and commit to a sustainable future. Regardless of where we are, or what we’re doing, we all have the power to contribute to this global cause. Let’s harness the power of innovation to sculpt a better world for us and future generations.

In we’re innovative, sustainable tomorrow is not just a pipedream — it’s an achievable reality. Innovation and sustainability can, and must, go hand in hand. Let’s commit to this symbiotic relationship; let’s commit to our planet.

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Sustainable Supply Chains

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From Traceability to Transparency

Sustainable Supply Chains

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In the era of increased awareness surrounding environmental and social issues, sustainable supply chains have become a key focus for businesses seeking to operate responsibly. As consumers demand greater transparency and accountability from the companies they support, organizations must prioritize the implementation of sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. From traceability to transparency, it is crucial for businesses to ensure that every step of their supply chain is aligned with their values and commitments to sustainability.

One of the key components of a sustainable supply chain is traceability. By tracking the journey of a product from its origin to its final destination, companies can ensure that their products are ethically and sustainably sourced. This not only helps to reduce the risk of environmental and social violations within the supply chain, but also allows companies to address issues such as deforestation, child labor, and unfair labor practices.

A prime example of a company that has successfully implemented traceability within its supply chain is Patagonia. The outdoor apparel company is known for its commitment to sustainability, and has taken significant steps to ensure that its products are produced in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner. By working closely with its suppliers and conducting regular audits, Patagonia has been able to trace the journey of its products from the farm to the factory, and ultimately to the consumer. This level of transparency has not only helped to build trust with customers, but has also positioned Patagonia as a leader in sustainable supply chain practices.

Transparency is another crucial aspect of a sustainable supply chain. By openly sharing information about their sourcing practices, companies can build credibility and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Transparency also allows companies to identify areas for improvement within their supply chain, and work towards implementing more sustainable practices.

A company that has excelled in promoting transparency within its supply chain is IKEA. The furniture retailer has been transparent about its commitment to sustainability, and has made significant strides in ensuring that its products are produced in an environmentally responsible manner. Through initiatives such as the Better Cotton Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council certification, IKEA has been able to provide customers with products that are sourced from sustainable materials. By openly sharing information about its sourcing practices and supply chain operations, IKEA has been able to build trust with customers and stakeholders, and position itself as a leader in sustainable supply chain management.

In conclusion, sustainable supply chains are essential for businesses looking to operate responsibly and ethically in today’s world. From traceability to transparency, companies must prioritize the implementation of sustainable practices throughout their supply chain in order to build trust with customers and stakeholders, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. By following the example of companies such as Patagonia and IKEA, businesses can work towards creating a more sustainable future for all.

Bottom line: Futures research is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futures research themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Climate Change and the Technologies Shaping a Sustainable Future

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Climate Change and the Technologies Shaping a Sustainable Future

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Climate change is one of the most urgent and pressing challenges faced by humanity today. The increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and significant impacts on ecosystems and human societies. Addressing climate change requires innovative and sustainable solutions that can mitigate the causes and adapt to the consequences. Fortunately, advancements in technology are playing a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. This article will explore two case study examples of how technology is helping combat climate change.

Case Study 1: Renewable Energy and the Power of Innovation

Renewable energy technologies are transforming the energy landscape and offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Solar and wind energy have become key players in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

One remarkable case study is the Tengger Desert Solar Park in China, the largest solar farm in the world. Located in the Tengger Desert, this facility covers an area of over 43 square kilometers, harnessing the abundant sunlight to generate clean electricity. With a capacity of 1.5 GW, it supplies power to millions of households, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The Tengger Desert Solar Park demonstrates the immense potential of solar energy and highlights the importance of large-scale renewable projects in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Another case study is the Block Island Wind Farm, situated off the coast of Rhode Island, USA. This pioneering offshore wind farm was the first of its kind in the country, providing clean energy to the local grid. With only five turbines, it may seem small, but it has a capacity of 30 MW, capable of powering more than 17,000 homes. The Block Island Wind Farm showcases the potential of wind energy to de-carbonize the electricity sector and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

These case studies demonstrate that renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power can rapidly transform the energy landscape, contributing to a more sustainable future. Continued innovation and investments in renewable energy can bring us closer to achieving a carbon-neutral society and combating climate change effectively.

Case Study 2: Smart Agriculture and Precision Farming

Another area where technology is revolutionizing sustainability is agriculture. The world’s growing population necessitates increased food production while minimizing the environmental impact. Smart agriculture and precision farming techniques have emerged as promising solutions.

Vertical farming, for example, is a technology-driven approach to cultivate crops indoors, utilizing artificial light and efficient water usage. Japan’s Mirai no Toukei Kansai project exemplifies this concept. Located in an urban setting, this vertical farm occupies a small area but produces the equivalent of 10,000 square meters of traditional farmland. By leveraging advanced technologies such as LED lights, hydroponics, and AI-controlled systems, this vertical farm minimizes water usage, reduces pesticide dependence, and eliminates transportation emissions associated with long-distance food delivery. Vertical farming demonstrates the potential of technology to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices and ensure a sustainable food supply.

Similarly, precision farming techniques employ advanced technologies like sensors, drones, and data analytics to optimize agricultural practices. For instance, FarmLogs, a technology platform developed in the United States, collects and analyses data from various sources to provide farmers with real-time insights about their crops. By precisely monitoring crop health and nutrient requirements, farmers can minimize resource wastage while maximizing yields. Precision farming contributes to efficient resource management, reduced fertilization, minimized water use, and ultimately, more sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

Addressing climate change requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, and technology plays a critical role in enabling the transition to a more sustainable future. The case studies of the Tengger Desert Solar Park, the Block Island Wind Farm, Mirai no Toukei Kansai vertical farm, and precision farming techniques exemplify the power of innovation and technology in combatting climate change. By continuing to invest in renewable energy, smart agriculture, and other sustainable technologies, we can create a more resilient and sustainable world for future generations. It is essential to embrace and leverage these advancements to ensure a brighter future for our planet.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Design Thinking and Sustainability

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Creating Environmentally-friendly Solutions

Design Thinking and Sustainability

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

As we face growing environmental challenges, businesses and individuals alike are increasingly recognizing the importance of incorporating sustainability into their practices. Design thinking, a creative problem-solving approach, can be a powerful tool in developing environmentally-friendly solutions. By prioritizing ecological needs from the very beginning, design thinking enables us to create innovative and sustainable products, services, and systems. In this article, we will explore the intersection of design thinking and sustainability, discussing its benefits and providing two compelling case studies that showcase its effectiveness.

Benefits of Design Thinking in Sustainability:

1. Holistic Problem-Solving: Design thinking encourages a human-centered approach, focusing on understanding user needs and the broader context of a problem. By considering ecological factors as part of this holistic approach, designers can identify creative ways to address sustainability challenges. This mindset enables the development of sustainable solutions that go beyond meeting short-term objectives, leading to more far-reaching environmental benefits.

2. Collaboration and Co-creation: Design thinking emphasizes collaboration and involving stakeholders from various disciplines during the problem-solving process. Incorporating sustainability considerations into this collaborative approach ensures a diversity of ideas and perspectives. By engaging experts from environmental sciences, engineering, or green innovation, designers can tap into a wealth of knowledge, effectively merging design and sustainability expertise to create impactful solutions.

Case Study 1: The Ocean Cleanup Project

The Ocean Cleanup project, initiated by the Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, is a remarkable example of design thinking applied to address environmental challenges. By leveraging a systematic design process, Slat and his team developed an innovative solution to remove plastic debris from our oceans. The project involved extensive research, prototypes, and testing, subsequently leading to the creation of a passive cleanup system that captures floating plastic waste using ocean currents. Through design thinking methodologies, the Ocean Cleanup project demonstrates the power of combining creative problem-solving with sustainability objectives to tackle one of the greatest threats to our oceans.

Case Study 2: IDEO’s Sustainable Packaging Solutions

IDEO, an internationally renowned design firm, has been employing design thinking principles to develop sustainable packaging solutions for various clients. In one particular case, IDEO partnered with a global food company to tackle the environmental impact of their product’s packaging. By engaging stakeholders from diverse fields and using design thinking tools such as empathy mapping and rapid prototyping, IDEO was able to propose creative packaging alternatives made from biodegradable materials and explore innovative ways to reduce waste in the supply chain. Through this approach, IDEO exemplifies how design thinking can be key in transforming traditional practices into sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions.

Conclusion

Design thinking offers a compelling framework to address complex challenges by embedding sustainability at the core of the problem-solving process. By prioritizing the environment as a key stakeholder, design thinkers can create innovative, human-centered, and sustainable solutions. The case studies of the Ocean Cleanup project and IDEO’s packaging solutions highlight the tangible impact that design thinking can have on solving environmental problems. By continuing to integrate design thinking with sustainability principles, we can unlock endless possibilities for creating a more environmentally-friendly future.

SPECIAL BONUS: Braden Kelley’s Problem Finding Canvas can be a super useful starting point for doing design thinking or human-centered design.

“The Problem Finding Canvas should help you investigate a handful of areas to explore, choose the one most important to you, extract all of the potential challenges and opportunities and choose one to prioritize.”

Image credit: Misterinnovation.com

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What Will the Smart Home of the Future Look Like?

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What Will the Smart Home of the Future Look Like?

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In recent years, the concept of a smart home has become increasingly popular. From voice-activated virtual assistants to interconnected devices, the technological advancement in home automation has revolutionized the way we live. With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), it is intriguing to speculate about what the smart home of the future will look like. In this article, we will explore two case studies that offer a glimpse into the potential future of smart homes.

Case Study 1: The Connected Oasis

Imagine walking into a home where everything is interconnected, and your every need is anticipated. This vision of the future smart home is epitomized in the concept of the “Connected Oasis.” One example of this is showcased through the collaboration between Samsung and BMW. The companies are working on integrating their respective technologies to create a seamless experience between the car and the home.

Using artificial intelligence and sensors, the smart home of the future can recognize when the car is approaching and prepare everything accordingly. As you near your home, the lights automatically turn on, the temperature adjusts to your preferred setting, and the door unlocks as you approach it. Once inside, your smart home assistant greets you with personalized suggestions based on your daily routine and preferences. The smart home can even sync with your car, automatically setting GPS directions based on your calendar events or providing traffic updates as you prepare to leave.

Case Study 2: Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Living

With growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability, the future smart home is likely to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainable living. The GreenSmartHome project, developed by researchers at the University of Nottingham, envisions a home that utilizes renewable energy sources, maximizes energy efficiency, and encourages eco-friendly practices.

This smart home incorporates various features such as smart thermostats, solar power generation, and energy management systems. By analyzing data from smart sensors and weather forecasts, the home can optimize energy usage by controlling heating, cooling, and lighting systems. The smart home can also provide real-time feedback on energy consumption, offering homeowners insights to reduce their carbon footprint.

Furthermore, the GreenSmartHome integrates waste management systems, promoting recycling and composting practices. It even has a smart garden, where irrigation systems are automatically adjusted based on weather conditions and moisture levels in the soil, ensuring efficient water usage.

Conclusion

The smart home of the future holds vast potential, with a focus on enhanced convenience, interconnectivity, sustainability, and energy efficiency. From the Connected Oasis, where homes and cars seamlessly communicate, to the GreenSmartHome promoting eco-friendly practices, these case studies offer a glimpse into what we can expect from the future of smart homes.

While these concepts may seem like science fiction today, advancements in AI, IoT, and sustainable technologies suggest that these visions are within reach. As technology continues to evolve, the smart home of the future will likely become an integral part of our lives, shaping the way we interact with our homes and the environment.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pixabay

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A Simple Idea to Save Oil

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Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.

Here is a great marketing campaign from S-Oil in South Korea which took the challenge of finding ways to decrease oil consumption in South Korea and turned it into a marketing campaign:

In this case the solution highlighted in the video is one potential solution of many to the challenge of decreasing oil consumption, and is focused on reducing the amount of oil consumed searching for a parking spot.

The one thing I didn’t understand was why “HERE” was in English instead of Korean characters… (NOTE: I had to replace the video and the new one is in English)

But anyways…

What simple solution is hiding under your nose?

Build a common language of innovation on your team

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Are You Investing in an Innovation Culture?

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Are You Investing in an Innovation Culture?

Innovation is everywhere.

You can’t go an entire commercial break during the Super Bowl or a State of the Union address (okay, sorry, both American examples) without hearing the word innovation pop up at least once or twice. Companies have added innovation to their company values and mission statements in accelerating numbers. Some organizations have implemented idea management systems. And others are willing to spend large sums of money on design firms and innovation boutique consultancies to get help designing some new widget or service to flog to new or existing customers. Based on all of that you would think that most companies are committed to innovation, right?

If you asked most CEOs “Is your organization committed to innovation?”, do you think you could find a single CEO that would say no?

So, why do think I’m about to make the following statement?

90+% of organizations have no sustained commitment to innovation.

When it comes to fostering continuous innovation, most organizational cultures stink at it.

Let’s look at some data, because anyone who is committed to innovation (and not just creativity) should love data (especially unstructured data from customers):

Over the last 50 years the average lifespan of a company on the S&P 500 has dropped from 61 years to 18 years (and is forecast to grow even shorter in the future)¹

In a worldwide survey of 175 companies by Hill & Knowlton (a communications consultancy), executives cited “promoting continuous innovation” as the most difficult goal for their company to get right. “Structurally, many companies just aren’t set up to deliver continuous innovation.”²

84% of more than 2,200 executives agree that their organization’s culture is critical to business success³

“96% of respondents say some change is needed to their culture, and 51% think their culture requires a major overhaul.”³

So what does this data tell us?

For one thing, it helps to reinforce the notion that the pace of innovation is increasing.

For another thing, it doesn’t exactly scream that organizations are as committed to building an innovation culture internally as their words externally say about being committed to innovation.

Why is this?

Well, as fellow Innovation Excellence contributor Jeffrey Phillips once said:

“When it comes to innovation, ideas are the easy part. The cultural resistance learned over 30 years of efficiency is the hard part.”

And when you get right down to it, most employees in most organizations are slaves to execution, efficiency, and improvement. And while those things are all important (you can’t have innovation without execution), organizations that fail to strike a balance between improvement/efficiency and innovation/entrepreneurship, are well, doomed to fail.

This increasing pace of innovation along with the lower cost of starting/scaling a business and the always difficult challenge of building a productive culture of continuous innovation, is the reason that the lifespan of organizations is shrinking.

So if it isn’t enough to talk about innovation, or to invest in trying to come up with new products and services, shouldn’t more organizations be also investing to making sure their innovation culture doesn’t, well, stink?

The obvious answer is… (insert yours here)

So, if your innovation culture stinks, I encourage you to come join me at Pipeline 2014 and attend my keynote session on exploring five ways to make it smell better:

“Our Innovation Culture Stinks – Five Ways to Make it Smell Better”

It’s a free virtual event on June 6, 2014.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Sources:
1. Innosight/Richard N. Foster/Standard & Poor’s
2. Hill & Knowlton Executive Survey
3. Booz & Company Global Culture and Change Management Survey 2013

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World’s Worst Logo?

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Every time I see this logo I cringe.

If there is one logo in the world that is definitely in desperate need of updating, it is the logo of Sherwin Williams.

My stomach turns at the site of the earth dripping with paint and the slogan “Cover the Earth” only makes it worse.

Is there anyone out there that would actually like to see the earth covered in paint?

Especially paint that looks like blood?

Sherwin Williams, I implore you, please update your logo as soon as possible to reflect the changing world we live in, where people are concerned about toxicity and where sustainability and being green are increasingly important.

If you could do it before Earth Day on April 22, 2012 that would be even better.

You may not realize the negative logo your logo is having on your business because your stock price is moving up and to the right, but imagine how much better it might be doing if you updated your image to reflect your surroundings?

Come on Sherwin Williams, you can do it!

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