There is an Eskimo proverb that says the storm is the time to fish. We are in the middle of a pretty big storm at the moment and organizations are asking questions about how committed they should be to innovation. I am moderating a session at Davos on this topic and would love any thoughts you might have about ways to think about innovating in a disruptive economy. What is the justification for innovating now? How is it different from innovating in good times? What are the challenges that may prevent even the most optimistic of leaders from investing when belt tightening is the order of the day?
There has been plenty of conversation, some of it here, about the importance of sticking with innovation but I am hoping to get beyond the homilies and abstract perspectives to the real issues and tactics that leaders should consider. What are the best examples we have of successful innovation in difficult times?