Reason for Optimism
As we enter into 2011 there is still much cynicism and debate about the state of innovation here in the U.S. and abroad. What ingredients are needed to spur it? What geographies will lead the way? What should be government’s involvement? What is the private sector’s role? Will the global economy get back on track? We will fail? Will we succeed?
However, no matter where your opinion happens to fall on the optimism – pessimism spectrum, it is hard to not feel some glimmer of hope when you consider the amount of great thinking, new cutting-edge products and technologies, and amount of incredible innovations on display in the first two weeks of the year at both the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
CES was the venue for 20,000 new product introductions from 2,700 different companies including names such as Motorola, Corning, Cisco, Energizer, Netflix, Xerox, Samsung and Hewlett Packard to name a few. In addition to some really snazzy new technologies and devices, many other topics and issues central to innovation were introduced and discussed including open access, broadband spectrum, wireless video, the need for improved K-12 schooling, changes in tax policy, and a focus on free trade.
One week later in Detroit, thousands of key opinion leaders from the global automotive industry including CEOs and executives from Porsche, Ford, BMW, Volvo and others met for 72 hours and witnessed the worldwide debut of nearly 40 vehicles and also exchanged ideas and strategies that affect global economics.
From our perspective here at the iBridge Network, it is great to see that innovation is alive and leading to tangible outcomes that can (and already are in some instances) boost the economy, create jobs, and make us safer, connected, entertained, educated and informed. It is also promising to see the sheer volume of collaboration, access, resources, and bright thinking taking place and making all of this possible.
While opinions may differ on how all of the pieces should fit together and what role all parties should ultimately play, one thing is clear after 18 days of the New Year : There are a large number of business and government leaders who care about our future and are already focusing on results. Now that is a reason for optimism.
The iBridge Network also cares very much about the future of innovation and is truly invested in further helping many of these companies, institutions, universities, and entrepreneurs to turn ideas and research into commercialized products. Speaking of a tremendous first few weeks of the year, we have already signed 10 new members, bringing the total number of member organizations to 122. Stay tuned for more news and details on that in the coming weeks.
