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Event: The <i>Online</i> Forum on Global Leadership
Women Entrepreneurs - Are they different? Rob AkinsonAuthor: PJ Edington (29 Apr 2008) - 478355077439536BELB-7E6LJU
Personal Information: Self Registration
Area(s): Government; Academia
Idea Groups: For Phase Two Review
Idea: There is lots of press and research on women entrepreneurs and how they are either different or are the same as their male counterparts. In setting up policies to boost entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, do we need to consider differences -like gender, culture or diversity - in order to remove as many barriers as possible? Is there a different approach for academic institutions in order to be effective in training all entrepreneurs?
Benefits:
More women supported in their entrepreneurial endeavors
Overall impact::
Low: Marginally positive impact across a large cross-section of the nation or have a significant positive impact, but only on a narrowly defined group
Timing:
Don't know
Road Blocks:
don't know
Attachment(s):
Responses to 'Women Entrepreneurs - Are they different? Rob Akinson'
/ Comment Author: Rob Atkinson (29 Apr 2008)
P.J., this is an interesting point/question that I don't know the answer to. There do seem to be some successful entrepreneurial networks related to certain sub-populations, with the idea being that these networks might be more tightly linked and more useful than broader and more diffuse networks. For example, I seem to recall hearing about entrepreneurial networks in the Los Angeles region focused on Asian-Americans. Other groups, like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, play a similar role of facilitating networking and entrepreneurial support. And there are some groups that play that role for women, both at the national and regional level.
With specific regard to women's entrepreneurship there is some evidence that their contribution is larger than is usually thought. For example, see the report by the National Women's Business Council.
/
Question for Rob - Role of Entrepreneurs in Innovation
Author: Steve Stewart (29 Apr 2008) - 186602578774701BELB-7E6LWX
Personal Information: 4: East 5: No 6: Other
Area(s): Businesses
Idea Groups: For Phase Two Review
Idea: Rob, in your research, have you seen anything that describes the relative contributions to innovation by entrepreneurs vs. established companies? Most interesting would be the generation or truly breakthrough ideas. Do these come more from entrepreneurs and small businesses, or do they come from large corporations with large R&D budgets, like IBM?
Benefits:
Creation of new products and services
Overall impact::
High: Major positive impact on a very large number of individuals, businesses or communities across the nation or have a major influence on public perception regarding globalization, e.g. a 'game changer'
Timing:
Road Blocks:
Lack of creative thinking an initiative
Responses to 'Question for Rob - Role of Entrepreneurs in Innovation'
/ Comment Author: Rob Atkinson (29 Apr 2008)
Steve, this is critical question and one that is usually informed more by hearsay rather than analysis. For example, many people still repeat the claim that the lion's share of jobs come from small firms. In fact, its much more complicated than that. Actually most small firms don't create many jobs after a certain start-up phase. But a few 'gazzelles' or high growth companies create a lot of jobs.
And most small business people are not 'entrepreneurs' if the term is used in the way noted economist Joseph Schumpeter defined it, to mean someone who brings forth something new: a new product, process, business model, etc.
The same complexity is true for R&D and innovations. At least from the perspective of conducting R&D, the share of business R&D conducted by small firms has grown significantly in the last two decades. (see Hunt and Nakamura 2006, cited in
But large firms still innovate and still account for the majority of R&D. However, there appears to be a major shift in how innovation occurs and where it comes from. A forthcoming ITIF report written by Fred Bloch of UC Davis finds that the share of major innovations (defined as among the top 100 in a given year) coming from large firms acting alone has dramatically declined over the last 40 years. Now partnerships and collaborations -- including with federal labs, other firms big and small, and universities -- are much more important. This is a big reason why we proposed the collaborative R&D tax credit (and the National Innovation Foundation) to reflect and try to support this new more collaborative innovation environment.
/ Comment Response Author: Steve Stewart (29 Apr 2008)
Rob, thanks. I'll take a look at the Hunt and Nakamura report that you cited on the share of R&D by small businesses. The forthcoming ITIF report on collaborative innovation should be an important contribution. We talk a lot about the importance of collaborative innovation and R&D partnerships. It will be good to have hard data to support this.
Idea for Rob Atkinson
Author: Susan C Tuttle (29 Apr 2008) - 476401922636759CORB-7E6LZM
Personal Information: Self Registration
Area(s): Government
Idea Groups: For Phase Two Review
Idea: Innovation in Services - What about the Public Sector?
Businesses innovate in order to be able to successfully compete in a global economy. While governments don't compete in the same way, there are increasing competitive pressures and a strong competition for skills and investment.. This competition is both global and local. Innovation is the key to being able to compete, but innovation is not limited to just "product or technology" invention. In addition, a significant amount of innovation is occuring in the services area; in innovative business models or processes; and there is even societal innovation. The Public Sector is the largest service provider in the economy and yet it is perhaps the least innovative. Government should establish an innovation strategy that is specifically targeted at focusing on innovation in public service - examining all aspects of innovation - product, services, organizational and process models. And with any strategy, there must be a commitment and focus from the top, if the strategy is have an impact.
Benefits:
- Improves service delivery to citizens
- Cost and resource reductions
- Generates high-value, higher-paying jobs
- Fuels wealth creation and profitability
- Creates and attracts new industries and markets
- Spurs productivity and economic growth
- Raises standard of living
Overall impact::
High: Major positive impact on a very large number of individuals, businesses or communities across the nation or have a major influence on public perception regarding globalization, e.g. a 'game changer'
Timing:
More than 18 months
Road Blocks:
Government bureaurocracy and siloed organizations.
Funding challenges.
Competitive mindset needed.
Responses to 'Idea for Rob Atkinson'
/ Comment Author: Rob Atkinson (29 Apr 2008)
Susan, I couldn't agree more, and your idea goes to the heart of one of the limitations of much of the innovation discussion in the U.S., and frankly around the world: its focus on goods, as opposed to goods and services. With most advanced economies having upwards of 70 percent and more of employment in the non-goods, non-farm sector, driving needed and robust increases in standards of living and quality of life will not be possible with sustained services innovation.
And your point about government innovation is critical for two reasons. If government doesn't innovate effectively then it doesn't raise its productivity and therefore is a drag on the economy. But just as important if it doesn't innovate effectively then it exerts a drag on everyone that interacts with government for particular services.
But as you note, there are a large number of barriers, including stove-piped thinking and little reward and resources for risk-taking. In addition, in my view if we moved beyond the current debates with one side saying government's role is minimal, with the other saying it's important but it will be done by large, inflexible bureaucratic organizations. Perhaps both sides could agree that we need smart active governance, but this doesn't always mean more or bigger government bureaucracies. Just as companies who are succeeding in the global innovation economy are moving to network relations and open innovation, so to do governments.
l over whether gov
Leverage the success of community colleges
Author: Deborah Kasdan (28 Apr 2008) - 571847104600595CORB-7E5QBH
Personal Information: East
Area(s): Government; Academia; Businesses
Idea Groups: For Phase Two Review
Idea: Community colleges seem to be doing a great job of providing relatively low-cost education and training in line with regional employment opportunities. They've been the first career rung for many Americans and seem to be the natural partners for businesses looking to develop or re-skill employees. While other posts have mentioned the need for global exposure by students, it strikes me that community colleges already have a global scope in that many of their students are first-generation Americans and have spent considerable time in the countries of their extended families. Wal-mart has already provided $2.5 million for a program to develop best practices in aligning community colleges with development needs. I suggest that every business contribute resources -- ideas, money, and/or people-- to the program
From the American Association of Community Colleges Web Site:
The Center for Workforce and Economic Development, organized within the AACC Office of Economic Development, brings together community colleges, offices of economic development, workforce boards, labor market entities, and other community organizations to improve the economic prosperity of business, workers, and communities. The Center provides technical assistance on collaborative practices, labor market analysis, and performance analysis in order to promote more integrated and interactive practices.
Mission
Build community college capacity to better align priorities, strategies, and resources with those of workforce and economic development partners in response to regional labor market needs.
Goals
* Improved economic prosperity of workers, business, and communities
* Increased use of best practices as common practices
* Enhanced community college leadership role in building and sustaining high quality programs and services supportive of regional economic growth strategies
Center Partners
American Association of Community Colleges
National Center on Education and the Economy’s Workforce Development Strategies Group
Center Investors
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Lumina Foundation
Grand Victoria Foundation
The Joyce Foundation
MetLife Foundation (new)
Wal-Mart Foundation (new)
Benefits:
Regions can provide the skilled work forces needed to attract
new businesses.
Academia gains a low-cost alternative affordable to almost all populations
Businesses can outsource re-training of workforce and gain skilled employees necessary for growth.
Overall impact::
Medium: Significant positive impact, but somewhat more restricted in scope or geography
Timing:
6 months to 18 months
Road Blocks:
Limited state budgets for funding community colleges
Restricted perceptions of what community colleges can accomplish
Responses to 'Leverage the success of community colleges'
/ Comment Author: Melanie Holmes (28 Apr 2008)
I wholeheartedly agree with Deborah and I would expand 'community' colleges to make sure we're including technical, vocational and occupational training. The skills learned in community and technical colleges are relevant and transferrable and are the best option for many high school graduates.
/ Comment Author: David Stirling (29 Apr 2008)
Yes, it is easy to misplace the value-add which the Community College system has provided, and continues to provide. Linking with the extended educational network as Mealnie pointed out would be valuable as well.
I like the WalMart example, and we could probably find many others where GIE's have built these relationships at the lowest common denominator- in the communities they serve
Learning from Best Practice Models
Author: David Levey (24 Apr 2008) - 189211871519036BELB-7DZRP2
Personal Information: 1: Office of the Secretary 2: U.S. Department of Commerce 4: East 5: Yes 6: Monica C Debban/Washington/IBM 7: Yes
Area(s): Government; Businesses; Individuals
Idea Groups: For Phase Two Review
Idea: One of the subjects that will be covered in the 2nd Annual National Summit on American Competitiveness will be taking a look at how state, regional and local governments have successfully transformed themselves in our time of increasing global competition. I believe that one advantage of having such a diverse, large country is that we can see what local governments, schools, business groups and community organizations are doing well and replicate those ideas elsewhere within the country and where applicable at the national level.
By the way, everyone is invited to the Summit on Competitiveness which is being put on by the U.S. Department of Commerce in Chicago May 22nd. Among the speakers will be Lou Gerstner, former Chairman and CEO of IBM!
Benefits:
Enhancing American competitiveness
Overall impact::
High: Major positive impact on a very large number of individuals, businesses or communities across the nation or have a major influence on public perception regarding globalization, e.g. a 'game changer'
Timing:
Less than 6 months
Road Blocks:
Active participation by the community.
Responses to 'Learning from Best Practice Models'
/ Comment Author: Mick Fleming (25 Apr 2008)
There are some good examples of effective government models at the state and local level . . . good examples, but not numerous examples. Gwinnet County, GA, has great public-private partnerships aimed at increasing overall incomes of the population. Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty has brought refreshing new approaches to everything from open space development to sensible immigration policy. At times, state governments that otherwise support domestic and international business advancement do stupid things, with dreadful consequences. Oklahoma's recent passage of a poorly crafted (impossible to enforce/comply with) immigration law might qualify as a worst-practice.
Alabama's efforts to attract large-scale foreign investment through long-term nurturing of international relationships might qualify as a best-practice. In terms of policy changes that foster competitiveness, several states have taken action to reform civil justice systems that have crippled American businesses and deterred foreign investment. Many large states have NOT taken such action.
/ Comment Response Author: Steve Stewart (25 Apr 2008)
Mick, to help everyone learn from these best practices, can you elaborate on the public-private partnership in Gwinnet County and Alabama's efforts to attract foreign investment. What, specifically, are they doing? Can you provide links to where we can learn more?
/ Comment Response Author: Mick Fleming (25 Apr 2008)
To further understand what's going on in some of the 'best practice places mentioned above, here is a link to Alabama's economic development office with specific focus on international investment, as well as a link to the public-private partnership site in Gwinnett. To get a picture of what is going on in Scranton, watch 'The Office!'
/ Comment Author: David Levey (28 Apr 2008)
Thanks! By the way, the Department of Commerce has a new initative, Invest in America. This is a program designed to consolidate many of the efforts across the entire federal government concerning the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The group, run by Aaron Brickman, has released a white paper on investor visas, a report on federal efforts to attract FDI and a variety of other initatives to be found at: (did you know that next week is invest in America week)?
Also one of the panels at the National Summit on American Competitiveness in Chicago May 22 will be on local/regional best practice examples. We'll have Mayor Daley of Chicago, Haley Barour, the Governor of Mississippi, Mark Sanford the Govenor of South Carolina discuss their experience in transforming their economies...
Easing American's increasing unease with respect to Globalization
Author: David Stirling (28 Apr 2008) - 716823071641108CORB-7E5K6M
Personal Information: East
Area(s): Government; Businesses; Individuals
Idea Groups: For Phase Two Review
Idea: Fred - A common belief is that the first strongly articulated opinion to fill a void , creates the perceptive "benchmark" of public opinion on that particular topic.
In your opinion, what topics do you see the greatest need for business leaders to assume a stronger social role? Should they be louder in advocating certain policies?
As an example, it seems as though the debate has increasingly tilted against openness (whether it be people, markets, or investment). Have our corporate leaders lost their voice on these issues? Is this not a role of leaders in a "Globally Integrated Enterprise"?
Lastly, how does all this in the context of the role of a GIE relate to the competencies which leadership must have within those organizations which are defined as GIE's?
Benefits:
Creating partnerships and solutions with government
Educating the public on siginficant issues which have broad socio-economic implications
Defining the role and expectations of GIE's
Overall impact::
High: Major positive impact on a very large number of individuals, businesses or communities across the nation or have a major influence on public perception regarding globalization, e.g. a 'game changer'
Timing:
6 months to 18 months
Road Blocks:
Public perception of GIE's (e.g. hidden agenda's)
Low political "capital" - reality that the environment buisness leaders operate in today is significantly more political than in the previous generation
Misaligned leadership competencies within GIEs
Responses to 'Easing American's increasing unease with respect to Globalization'
/ Comment Author: C. Fred Bergsten (28 Apr 2008)
It is essential for business to undertake at least two types of initiatives in responding to the criticisms of globalization, open trade and the GIE. Business leaders have not lost their voice on these issues but they have failed to work hard enough to convince government and politician to both understand and respond effectively to these criticisms.