BIF Linkage: John Kao on Prototyping the Global Future

Posted by Chris Flanagan on September 17, 2008

Earlier this year the Tällberg Forum gathered thinkers and leaders from seventy nations for four days of conversations and workshops related to the opportunities and challenges of global interdependence. BIF Research Advisor John Kao was in attendance moderating a panel about prototyping the global future.

In the video, Kao (an accomplished jazz musician) spins a good metaphor about music and innovation and how to find balance between "just reading sheet music" and pure improvisation. Unanticipated notes (ideas) typically produce unanticipated sources of value. To get there, you have to have true collaboration, which Kao says is about finding the sweet spot between control (sheet music) and freedom (improvisation).

Good stuff - Watch the video here

Other BIF Related Info: Read my interview with John Kao