The UFC of Innovation – Lightweight is the new world order
What if you had a scrap between the defending Canadian Innovation paradigm of heavy weight, socialist and bureaucratic versus the innovation paradigm of the new world knowledge based economy? I think what you would have is something like a sumu wrestler versus a lightweight UFC fighter. Well IMHO on a global scale we are in just such a match right now. As the fight wears on the fat guy own obesity wears him down but, the UFC guy is faster and always a few steps ahead. Not only is that but Mr. UFC is continually pummelling the fat guy in the head. If blubber boy doesn’t catch UFC guy and he never will, then he is doomed to failure.
Again, IMHO what we need is some speedy light weight processes that facilitate the growth of quick and nimble start-ups rather than bureaucratic processes that wear them down. The public sector laden in bureaucracy and process is ill suited to anything quick or nimble. I understand the importance of accountability and managing other people’s money (which is really what the public sector does), however, to compete on the global stage in a knowledge based economy means being quick, nimble and adaptable.
I understand that Scotland does some innovative stuff around seed funding and will be checking them out over the next few weeks.
Ian Graham
Re: Scotland. Learning & Teaching Scotland takes the stance that: “Being an effective citizen means being able to demonstrate the capacity for thinking and acting (critically and) creatively in political, economic, social and cultural life.” They go on to emphasize how essential “enterprising” is to being an effective citizen. What is the connection between an early-entrenched concept of enterprise, creation, personal ethic, and lightweight economic dynamism?
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk
I think the Scottish concept of enterprising would be the equivalent of the North American Entrepreneur. The concepts that I had intended to connect were government assisting early stage knowledge based (in this context software) businesses and the process that surround them. I consider the existing process in Ontario, Canada related to the IAF (Investment Accelerator Fund) heavy weight or bureaucratic, at least which is my perception form many start-ups (software entrepreneurs) that I have chatted with. This take is without exception.
In a utopian world there would be an expeditious (Lightweight) process for software start-ups to apply for the IAF that would:
- Provide them with a timely yes or no (weeks instead of 18 months)
- Be responsive to the applicants
- Have clearly defined criteria (currently ambiguous)
The minister mentioned that Scotland had some innovative programs related to Angels and early stage funders. If you are able to direct me to any reference material that would be much appreciated.