23.12.2009
NGC Blog
What does it mean to be innovative?
Innovation is everywhere – at least that’s what people say all the time. It just might be the most overused term in executive circles today. Shoot, we even chose to use it in naming this blog. Is that innovative? Dunno?
What the Innovation Exchange has noticed over the years is that not everyone shares in the same definition of innovation. So, we talked with several leaders in various industries throughout the Triangle and country to help define innovation.
As you’ll see below, the responses are, well, innovative. And, we would love to see what you think.
“To be innovative, an entrepreneur needs not only to have a good idea, but also to come up with a solution to someone else’s problem. Innovation ultimately needs to have some kind of application in the marketplace, presumably to make a product or service faster, cheaper, or more readily accessible, so it will attract customers and – ideally! – revenue. Innovation starts by asking ‘how could this be better?’ followed by ‘what will it take to get there?’”
Joan Seifert Rose
President and CEO
Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED)
http://www.cednc.org/
“To me, innovation is a marriage of the art and science of creation. As such, it can be equally gorgeous, murky, experimental, and challenging. And, like any marriage, the trick is to find the way to sustain and grow it successfully! Whether through discovery, convergence, translation, or application in a new context, innovation is the engine we’ll build the 21st century around – which means a lot of change for all of us.”
Karl Rectanus
Leader, North Carolina STEM Community Collaborative
http://www.ncstem.org (Web site launching soon)
“Innovation can be seen as new applications for existing products or services or bringing new people into the fold to use existing products or services. In my view it is important to see all three aspects of innovation: people, product (service), and use.”
Ron Jebaily
Partner, Jebaily Law Firm
http://www.jebailylaw.com/
“True innovation is still invention. It’s still great minds creating things that can lead to commercial success or improve the human condition. What is different about invention today is that due to the advances in information and communications technology, great minds can connect and collaborate in real time. Invention, as a result, proceeds at a faster pace. More importantly, the time to mass distribution or mass adoption of invention has greatly compressed.”
Joe Freddoso
President and CEO MCNC
http://www.mcnc.org
“Innovation is the convergence of visionary thinking, planning, and hard work. Tossing conventional rules aside, being bold and unafraid of venturing into unchartered waters, and yet being humble enough to respect technology and all its ever-evolving beauty, that is a true innovator.”
Rita Cosby
Emmy-Award Winning Journalist/Best-Selling Author
http://www.ritacosby.com/
“Innovation is the creative approach to a problem or task, unencumbered by conventional thinking or traditional barriers.”
Brooks Raiford
President and CEO
North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA)
http://www.nctechnology.org
“In my mind, a valuable form of innovation is conceptualizing something familiar in a new way. As an illustration, for decades I have taken showers in bathtubs constrained by shower curtains whose straight rods created a narrow space. Now this space is more expansive because an innovator thought ‘outside the box’ to develop a curved shower rod.”
Dr. Chris Dede
Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies at Harvard University
“Innovation means doing something differently, incremental, radical or revolutionary. With that, innovation is envisioning something new in one’s mind that doesn’t exist. Taking this vision to reality while some kick you in the teeth is one of the hardest things to do in a lifetime. Those that are hugely successful at pulling it off are labeled innovators. But, innovators are everyone that has an idea, and despite all odds, create something new – either products, goods, or services.”
Billy Glynn
Founder of Collective IQ
Author of Left Turn on Red and ranked one of the world’s top innovators by Information Week magazine
http://www.billyg.net/
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Innovation is everywhere. Keep checking back for more….
23.12.2009
NGC Blog
It took a year to do it – less time than expected – but MCNC announced this week the completion of the N.C. School Connectivity Initiative through which all 115 K-12 school districts have become connected to the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN). They will be hosting a noon celebration in honor of this achievement on May 7 at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh.
The changing needs of students today demand that we offer technologically-advanced options for today’s classrooms. Next month’s celebrated completion of the N.C. School Connectivity Initiative is a major step in ensuring that every teacher and student has broadband access, no matter where they live, no matter how large or small the school district.
MCNC, an RTP-based non-profit, is planning a big celebration honoring the completion of the N.C. School Connectivity Initiative on Thursday, May 7, at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh. The celebration will focus on recognizing the leadership of Governor Bev Perdue, the North Carolina General Assembly and the University of North Carolina system, who were the driving forces behind funding for the School Connectivity Initiative.
“The N.C. School Connectivity Initiative provides local school districts with the connectivity and access to technologies that help prepare today’s students for the careers of tomorrow,” said Joe Freddoso, President and CEO of MCNC. “The fast implementation of the School Connectivity Initiative was achieved through a collaboration among the Department of Public Instruction, eNC, North Carolina Office of Information Technology Services, the Friday Institute , private sector service providers including ATT, TimeWarner Cable, Embarq, Verizon, DukeNet and MCNC.”
NCREN is a statewide IP data and video network that provides high-speed connectivity, distance learning capability and is one of the nation’s first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina.
MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. It creates possibility and an equitable educational experience throughout the state.
MCNC continues to increase the scope and reach of NCREN.
The NCREN user-community now includes:
- 17 Institutions of the UNC System and General Administration
- 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
- All 115 Public K-12 School Districts in the state
- 7 of the largest North Carolina Community Colleges
- Research Institutions and Foundations
The N.C. School Connectivity Initiative is the result of North Carolina leaders’ desire for 21st century classrooms and development of a North Carolina workforce prepared to succeed in a global economy. It seeks to expand the number of schools with broadband Internet access; further develop communication networks for rural and underperforming schools; and develop a scalable model to maintain and enhance network services to all schools in North Carolina.
This initiative entered the implementation phase in spring 2008 and initially was established through N.C. Senate Bill 1741 by the General Assembly. Now, with all K-12 schools in the state connected to NCREN, results include increased collaboration between all K-20 education entities in the state.
Dr. Bill Harrison, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Board of Education, will be the keynote speaker at the event. He was appointed to the by Gov. Perdue to fill an At-Large position. A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Harrison has served N.C. public schools in a variety of ways throughout his career. ”The School Connectivity initiative is critical to creating the kind of classrooms and learning environments that provide educators and students the content and the tools needed to truly make our students competitive in today’s global economy and interconnected world,” said Harrison.
The public is welcome to attend.
23.12.2009
NGC Blog
All of us have seen the power of social networks – either online or in real life. I-CAN recently named a new president in Raleigh and aims to find the missing link between the two with a software solution that uses Web 2.0 tools to connect the education community in North Carolina.
How long is a month? It’s not really that long in the big scheme of things, but it can be when you drinking from the fire hydrant and taking over as president of a software company.
Jay Finnigan recently took the president role at I-CAN (Internet Community Action Network) and brings to the table a strong business background and extensive experience in building customer loyalty. He held previous leadership roles with Noverant Learning Management Systems in Raleigh and Vocollect Healthcare Systems in Pittsburgh. I-CAN’s founder Jon Beard remains CEO of the Raleigh-based firm.
Finnigan says schools need help connecting students with industry. Teachers need help relating classroom curriculum with the real world. I-CAN is a group of Web 2.0 tools with additional intelligence that helps build private communities that are controlled and safe and have practical applications for education, local/state governments and private corporations and business.
I-CAN was developed to improve personal and economic growth to the benefit of the entire community. As an Internet platform and using 21st Century technologies, I-CAN helps scale individual learning and access to knowledge to meet strategic goals.
Could this software solution really be N.C.’s Education Social Network?
“All the activities going on today to bring technology to students and teachers is great and powerful stuff,” Finnigan adds. “The one link missing is the one that ties it all together to real-world career development. Our system combines our targeted communities to let students expand beyond learning the technology to integrating with real-world professional development.”
This concept might come right in time for the state-mandated Graduation Project. The graduation project is required for high school graduation of all students who entered as freshmen in 2006-2007. Those students graduating next year will be the first class required to complete the four components of the Graduation Project consisting of a research paper, product, portfolio, and an oral presentation. Student engagement provides the opportunity to connect content knowledge, acquired skills, and work habits to real-world situations and issues.
Every student also must work with a mentor/professional, which is difficult for many school districts. The problem of finding and connecting with approved mentors locally and has become an issue for some as the first graduation class who must fulfill the graduation requirement is almost a year away.
According to the N.C. Department of Instruction, an approved mentor must have expertise in the area the student is interested in and is willing to work with the student; is 21 years of age or older; and is not a household member. A mentor allocates time and makes arrangements to work with the student, provides advice, support and resources, and signs all required forms for the student to graduate.
I-CAN is able to help create a graduation project and mentor database. Whether it’s a student having trouble finding a mentor for a class project or a teacher looking for another teacher to help develop their technology skills, I-CAN offers each user a unique Web portal that delivers mentors, career and learning opportunities, and support groups based on who they are and their needs.
One of the biggest accomplishments at I-CAN was the integration of virtual online meeting technology as well as the ROBOTS program that helped 210 students from underserved populations in the state receive an education that was once thought impossible to obtain.
Using Skype/Wiki-type technology, I-CAN had six college sites in the program. With left over funding from the initial project, I-CAN has revamped and extended the program this year to North Carolina A&T.
In the past 35 years, I-CAN has worked nationally with nearly 100 school districts to help teachers integrate technology into their everyday curriculum. Now, I-CAN is looking to work with every school district to bring the real world into every classroom via the power of the Internet.
“We really want to find the value proposition within the industry. Our main focus is on the education side and to find a product that fits that community while overlaying it on our secondary targets,” Finnigan closes. “We didn’t just come up with this concept out of the blue. I-CAN is a product that is 30 years in the making to connect education with the business world.”
23.12.2009
NGC Blog
(Editor’s Note: NGC Founder Noah Garrett is a die-hard Washington Redskins fan and was so disgusted after last night’s MNF defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, he wrote this is in a Tuesday-morning tirade. Enjoy.)
After saving the world by running through a maze of challenges in the nation’s capital in Dan Brown’s latest book The Lost Symbol, famous symbologist Robert Langdon decided to take a break and hunker down in a D.C. hotel room before heading back to his home in Cambridge. “All I came here for was to give a lecture,” he processed internally.
He checked into a nice hotel in D.C. and took a shower. While shaving, he glanced into the mirror and noticed the bags under his eyes when the telephone rang. “Now what?” he pondered.
On the other end of the line was a dark raspy voice. “Robert,” the man whispered into the phone. “I need you to come to FedEx Field immediately. It’s a matter of life and death.” “Who is this,” Robert asked. “It’s Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins. Come quick. We have a problem only you can figure out. A limo is waiting outside your hotel.”
“Wait, how did you know I was here …” Robert blurted before Daniel interrupted, “there’s no time to explain.” Robert hung up the phone, finished getting dressed and went out the door.
Robert arrived at FedEx Field and was met by Daniel Snyder’s assistant outside the entrance of the stadium. “What’s this all about,” Robert asked the woman. “I don’t know,” she replied, “but Mr. Snyder seems desperate for your help.”
Robert was escorted upstairs to a plush luxury suite where Daniel sat behind a huge desk. “Glad you could make it. We really need your help,” he directed to Robert without even saying hello. “Fine,” Robert replied, “This better be good.”
“You are the world’s best code breaker, and we need you to decipher what is wrong with our team, take over as play caller, and put us back into the right direction before the season is over for us. Like I said, it’s a matter of life and death,” Daniel explained. “Ok,” Robert agreed, “I’ll take a look and see. But, this will cost you.”
Robert knew Daniel was rich and was willing to spend whatever it took to make the Redskins the greatest team on earth.
The scholar took hold of the Redskins playbook, looking through all the X’s and O’s, and stored everything in his photographic memory. He then started watching tape from a recent Monday Night Football game where the team embarrassed themselves at home against the Philadelphia Eagles on national television.
“Mr. Snyder,” Robert started with the Redskins’ owner jumping out of his chair with excitement. “I see nothing wrong with this playbook, the offensive schemes, the defensive packages, and as a matter of fact, this is one of the better playbooks in the NFL. The problem isn’t the design,” Robert pointed out, “it’s the delivery and execution by your players and coaches. If it was up to me, with the exception of a few, I would get rid of all of them and just start over.”
“That’s it?” asked Daniel. “No, Mr. Snyder, “Robert continued. “When I say get rid of everyone with the exception of a few, you are not included in the few.”
“You want me to fire myself,” Daniel quipped like a spoiled trust-fund brat. “Yes, it’s the only way. To be great, requires great sacrifice from everyone, including you. But, don’t do it officially until you pay me my enormous consulting fee.”
Daniel grabbed a large sum of cash – pocket change to him, but five years salary for most folks. “But, you haven’t figure out what needs to be done the way I want you to,” Daniel sobbed. “Sorry, Mr. Snyder, I don’t play your game,” as Robert snatched the wad of cash from Daniel on the way out the door and the beleaguered team owner slouched down on his desk and began to cry.
At the end of The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown offers one word for readers to dwell on until his next book: Hope. As for the Redskins Nation, that may be a tall order to ask fans now that the team has moved from the cream-puff portion of the schedule into the bulk of the tough NFC East.
Geez, even Robert Langdon knows the best thing to do as a Redskin right now is to take the money and run – not to the playoffs mind you, but to the bank. That’s the team’s greatest asset.
21.12.2009
NGC Blog
Is our country really prepared to take a leap into the unknown?
Innovate-Educate New Mexico (IENM), a catalyst in 21st century education and workforce development based out of Santa Fe, will host its first national conference to advance engineering and science education on April 30, May 1 and May 2 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
This event will bring together state and national leaders in industry, education, and government to coordinate existing efforts and collaborate on new ideas that better engage students in the science and engineering fields while alsopreparing a competitive workforce in the U.S.
Jami Grindatto is Intel’s corporate and government affairs director in New Mexico and also serves as IENM’s chairman of the board. He said our country today faces a national challenge that hits the core of our economy.
“We are failing to graduate engineering and science students to meet the demands of a competitive world driven by productive and innovative markets,” said Grindatto. “Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are the innovators’ basic tools to solve the world’s most pressing issues, create products and deliver services that improve our lives. We must increase the number of graduates in engineering and sciences. This is Innovate-Educate New Mexico’s main objective to secure long-term economic health.”
By initiating such a unique educational effort that creates new opportunities and fosters new ideas on a national level, it may just serve as a the first straightforward model this county has seen for delivering substantive improvements in engineering and science education by applying best practices in a coordinated and methodical way. Plus, it gets real feedback from really big tech companies who will share what they are looking for in hiring new workers.
Out of the many conferences I have attended and covered over the years, this is event truly has a dynamic agenda to engage K-12, higher education, industry and government participants. According to event organizers, nearly 400 folks from all over the country have registered to date – including several top leaders from North Carolina.
Focus areas on the agenda include higher education; K-12 educators and leadership; industry, technology leaders and chambers of commerce; and government officials, economic development leaders and state/national legislators. The last day also features the 8th annual RoboRAVE Robotics Competition.
Now, I had an opportunity to be involved with RoboRave last year, and boy, it is way cool. More than 100 teams in various education levels compete for cash, prizes, and awards. It is well worth the price of admission.
The entire conference seems to be shaping up to be a real eye-opener.
Education continues to play a central role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century and is crucial for the development of knowledge-based economies. Their roles in leadership training and educating the population in the skills needed for complex, modern societies are essential.
Dr. Chris Dede is a nationally-renowned speaker and graduate professor in learning technologies and innovation at Harvard University and is one of the many fantastic keynote speakers scheduled to participate next month. I will leave you this week with some thoughts he sent regarding his upcoming talk. He calls it “Evolution vs. Transformation.”
Is the schooling system so badly out of touch with 21st century needs and digital kids’ motivations that nothing less than reinventing education will work? Or, could a powerful approach to STEM education evolve out of current curriculum standards, tests, and accountability measures by adding funding and by working in a more thoughtful and coherent way? If only transformation will work, rather than evolution, what is the evidence that the country is well poised to take such a leap into the unknown?
