The Odd Couple of Creativity and Discipline

by Robert L. Glass

Innovation is all the rage in the IT world these days. Consulting firms promise to tell you how to innovate. Companies that were gun-shy after the “tech bubble” burst are now looking for emerging information technologies that can positively impact their bottom line. At a time when more and more manufacturing and service activities are being sent to low-wage countries, organizations wonder, “Can innovation be our salvation?” We’re willing to bet that it is. Join us as we discuss ways to foster IT innovation. Learn how one university encourages innovation among its faculty, students, and staff with a conscious policy of “IT abundance.” Are innovative ideas in short supply in your company? Find out how open source collaboration and “external models of innovation” can provide the creative ferment you lack. Discover how to turn good ideas into pilots and — even more important — how to keep both unsuccessful and successful pilots from remaining in “pilot mode” forever, thus taxing your ability to innovate in the future. A creative spark is a terrible thing to waste — tune in and learn how to make those sparks catch fire.