Innovation need research as an investment capability

Attending the Digital Assembley in Europe and listening, learning and discussing how to solve and get competetive advantages in a global economy. Europe has an unique public funded research model, but we are getting a dimminshing numbers of innovations based in Europe out of it.  So, how could we start a change program on this topic.  Here are a couple of my thoughts:

1. Europe is launching an innovation union, we should launch a nordic innovation union.  This union should take into fact the diversity in the innovation cultures in each country.  My ease picture of the best nordic comapnay is as follows:  The R&D department is operated by the norwegian. We do research very competitive with small means and in a widely network model. Then the product management should be led by a finn, she would scale it and get everybody on board. The swede should be responsible for setting up the operations and finally the sales director is danish.  This model could be incorporated into policies and requirement following the money.
2. Utilize the competetive advantage we have by a growing representation of women leadership position and designing the model by gender mainstreaming.
3. Extending the topic on innovation to include innovation in public service. The Nordic Region could take a lead in eGovernment, and by doing it in a nordic model, we would also solve the challenges of a single market, which is a great market opportunity for the Nordic businesses spinning off from an innovation program like this.

100 years, very impressive in this industry, Happy Birthday

In this industry, now overwhelmed by the numbers of people in social networks and number of smartphones, it is very impressive to turn 100 years.  In 1988 I had the opportunity to join IBM, and had a wonderful journey (although to short) with them.  The IBM I met, I believe are one of many reasons why they today are turning 100 years.  The first principle was trainiging.  Back then we had to train for a year before we where certified to work with clients full time.  Even though I guess this time has decreased substantially, I know the principle is still guiding IBM for all the employees.  Second principle was the respect for the client, but believing that the technology would solve the problem.  The SPIN-model,  (Situation - Problem - Implication -Need) has been guiding me since.  Third and maybe the principle giving this 100 years history, believing that great minds need to explore and develop great solution, and then you protect them by available rights like Patents.  IBM has for many years and are still holding the record of anually published patents. The respect the company holds for the mind, and given a substantially contribution to the technology as a change agent for a better world.  Based on this last principle, I am postive IBM will play a major role in solving the challenges ahead of us to make the world more sustainable and sharing among our still growing population.  Our industry needs companies like IBM, and all new commers like Facebook have a great role model to look up to.  Happy Birthday.