On the future of society, technology and innovation

Spain’s asked me for a chapter for a book the information technology and defense systems company is publishing to commemorate its 25th anniversary. On the Future of Society, Technology and Innovation, published in Spanish and English, also includes contributions from , , and . A further seven chapters outline the company’s vision of the design of cities, cybersecurity, transportation, energy, industry, financial services, etc.

My chapter is entitled “” (pdf). In it I discuss the changes in the environment that condition innovation processes in companies, focusing on the need for openness, diversity, the generation of active ecosystems, and the role of the workforce. I argue that there are no “recipes” for innovation, and that it’s essential to approach the process with an understanding of the changes the context has undergone.

The book provided me with the opportunity to crystallize many of the subjects I deal with on this page in a longer-lasting format. Here’s the full text:

We live in confusing times. Just a few generations ago, people would work in one industry, or even one single company, throughout almost their entire career, and they were able to stay useful and productive with the…