Optimizing Innovation

Optimizing Innovation - Dr. Stephen K. Goers of Kraft Foods

According to Dr. Steven K. Goers, VP, Open Innovation and Investment Strategy at Kraft Foods, Kraft Foods needs to innovate because they are in the fast-moving CPG industry, maintain a breadth of categories, and need to continue to maintain an edge over private label products. Goers spoke at the Optimizing Innovation Conference, which was held October 21-22, 2009 in New York City.

Read the summary of the presentation at Blogging Innovation, or read an interview with Dr. Goers at IdeaConnection.com.

Upside of Turbulence

How Innovation Saved Nokia

Don Sull teaches “International and Strategic Management” at the London Business School. His new book is The Upside of Turbulence: Seizing Opportunities in an Uncertain World. He discusses how Nokia and others have survived turbulent times through a willingness to reconsider even their core business.

Read More at The Upside of Turbulence: How Innovation Saved Nokia | Back to B-School | BNET.

Private Brand Makeup

Private Brand Gets a Makeover with Makeup from Kroger

Kroger created a new private brand makeup aimed at family-focused women seeking effortless beauty. Will women trust their faces to a grocery store? Kroger is offering a $5 promotion to encourage trial.

Read more at MY private brand.

Innovation from Cirque

Visible and Invisible Innovation - Cirque Du Soleil

If you've ever seen any of the Cirque Du Soleil shows, you know that each one is full of amazing innovations, from the acts to the sets and costumes. They have a "technological watch team" who is always on the lookout for the latest materials which could be incorporated into the shows.

To see what innovation lessons you can learn from Cirque Du Soleil, read the rest of the article at Blogging Innovation.

Dealing with Nonsense

Mind - How Nonsense Sharpens the Intellect

While research is still ongoing, it appears that being exposed to the odd, irregular or nonsensical increases our ability to make sense, a good reason to allow a little chaos.

Read the article at NYTimes.com.

When Innovation Goes Wrong

Blogging Innovation: When Innovation Goes Wrong - Latest innovation articles, videos, and insights

Innovative mortgage products became a financial nightmare. Innovation should be about learning rather than earning.

Read more at Blogging Innovation.