Blog: Claudia Imhoff: July 2006 Archives

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July 12, 2006

Retro is IN -- Innovation is OUT?

Most Americans hate innovation or maybe they are just afraid of it? So goes the story line of a recent Information Week article. The author, John Soat, thinks we should "party like it's 1999". Do you agree?

Mr. Soat cites the following examples as a lack of innovation raging through our country:

1. A popular movie -- Superman Returns -- gives us one more view for the 70-year old comic book character. OK, he has a good point. Not exactly a new theme here, and the style of the movie is described as "retro" in its approach. I haven't seen it yet and am leaning toward renting it rather than coughing up the $9 bucks to see it on the big screen.

2. DaimlerChrysler has announced that it will be manufacturing a "new" version of a 1970s muscle car -- the Dodge Challenger -- shades of Daisy Duke, y'all.! The car will feature the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body style that distinguished the Challengers of the 1970s. According to the President of Chrysler: "We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies. It's not just a re-creation; it's a reinterpretation." Uh huh... They are really pushing the frontiers -- pushing them back to 1970!

3. Mr Soat even takes issue with calling the iconic iPod innovative. He considers it is just a digital version of the Sony Walkman. At least he does see Apple's iTunes business model as truly innovative. It must be -- look at how all the media companies are trying to shut it down.

As if these examples aren't enough, Information Week recently did a survey of companies throughout the globe regarding their desire to adopt new technologies. Only 6% of US companies said they wanted to lead; China was way ahead with 19% of its companies ready and willing to embrace new technologies. OK -- so we don't like change. That's not necessarily bad -- I have always preferred evolution to revolution. It may take a bit longer but the changes are less drastic and disruptive.

What do you think? Should we throw caution to the wind or take the more cautious route?

Yours in BI Success.

Claudia

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