Global Innovation Outlook

Innovation Opens Up Understanding the changing nature of innovation.

Say good-bye to the days when a lone genius in a garage could invent something that changes the world. Early in the 21st century, it's the very nature of innovation that has changed: it's happening faster, it's more open and collaborative, and outdated concepts around tightly controlled intellectual property are giving way to a more enlightened emphasis on sharing intellectual capital.

To better understand what this means for business and society, IBM convened the Global Innovation Outlook (GIO), for the first time opening up its legendary technical and business trend analysis processes to outsiders.

Over the course of 10 meetings in 24 days on 3 continents, more than 100 leaders from business, academia, government, and other organizations joined with IBM's top researchers and consultants to examine three areas that affect broad swaths of society and are ripe for innovation:

• The future of healthcare
• The relationship between government and its citizens
• The intersection of work and life.

The findings from these discussions were released on November 16 at a major event in New York City. The GIO doesn't attempt to provide all the answers or offer solutions to every issue raised. Its real value arises from the questions, implications and even contradictions inherent in its discussions.

This initiative represents something that is uniquely IBM: A combination of world-class technology leadership and deep expertise in business and industry. Deep relationships with a broad range of clients, governments, universities and other ecosystem members around the world. A willingness to elevate the dialogue around important issues and examine the broad implications for the world.

Learn more about the 2004 GIO, or ask your IBM client executive for a copy, and begin a conversation about what the changing nature of innovation means for you and your organization.