Thursday, March 16, 2006

Innovation budgets Innovation is not proportional to money spent, the folks at 37 signals remind us. When has innovation ever simply been a function of money spent? Which of the big two operating system companies are most often characterized as pushing the envelope and who spends the most on R&D in dollar amounts? (hint: they’re not the same) Innovation more often than not comes from constraints. From not being able to blow billions without immediate needs for returns. Reminds me of the time when companies would actually consider EHS budgets -- seriously! -- a relevant measure of environmental performance, as though spending was any indication of results. (What? Yours still does? You may need a quick dose of reality.) 9:11:45 AM    comment []  trackback []

Supply chain Natural Logic's analysis of strategic supply chain partnerships has just been published in Corporate Responsibility Magazine's February/march 2006 issue. 'Uncovering hidden opportunities in your supply chain' (written by Eric Olsen, David Jaber and me), explores how companies can swiftly, systematically and profitably turn ever-expanding requirements for environmental performance and documentation from expensive surprises to strategic advantage. Here's the abstract: Traditionally CR, environment and sustainability departments have been seen as a business cost. But a few leading companies are creating value by entering into strategic partnerships with suppliers. In an article based on interviews with senior executives from around the world, David Jaber, Gil Friend and Eric Olson explain why strategic supply chain partnerships make sense, and then provide a step-by-step guide for getting started. (Follow this link for our full report, and a description of the three-stage 'discovery' process we offer to help companies identify, develop and test new solutions and business models that build market share and profits by responding to – and anticipating – stakeholder environmental expectations.) 8:50:20 AM    comment []  trackback []