Customer Reviews

Innovation Strategy for the Knowledge Economy: The Ken Awakening (Business Briefcase)

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When I first read Innovation Strategy for the Knowledge Economy in 1998, I was amassing a large library of KM books. I had accomplished a similar effort in the mid-80's on the subject of innovation. Because of the relatedness of these two efforts, I grasped rather quickly the importance Debra Amidon was placing on innovation--my ken was clear. I believed she was and is, more than figuratively speaking, on the money.

From the beginnings of the focus on KM, there has consistently been the challenging people/technology dichotomy. Amidon's perspective on innovation provides an extremely insightful focus on a third dimension in the core KM picture--process. Debra Amidon obviously had enough grounding in both the people and technology domains of knowledge activities that she intuitively values the innovation issue.

The American culture and economy has always been fueled by high capacity for innovation. While we have kept the pace, other nations are increasing their innovation quotient. Now, in a new knowledge era, Debra Amidon is offering advanced ways to leverage innovation. Much of what she presents seems familiar, nevertheless, the way she weaves it all together and the new elements she presents takes innovation to a new level in the enterprise. For me, this book becomes more valuable each year, particularly as we find that the nature of innovation in our enterprises becomes more complex with higher stakes than ever.

Debra has devoted considerable time and energy to develop a practical but compelling approach to knowledge innovation. She provides a sound background on management theory but quickly extends her insights into useful strategies for assessing the current status of knowledge innovation within an organization. Senior managers can easily use Debra's work to improve the state of knowledge innovation within their enterprise and their industry.

Debra also provides valuable insights into the place of alliances and partnerships in today's global economy. Any company that wants to remain competitive can gain useful advise from reviewing the benefits of building a strong business alliance program that shares knowledge among its partner network.

You don't usually expect to pick up a management book with a photograph of Claude Monet's lily pond. The reason is that Amidon describes Monet as "daring to be different". Furthermore, in order to see the big picture you have to stand back. This book helps you step back to see the unfolding panaroma of the knowledge economy and knowledge management.

In a field where there is no shortage of books, few can match the insights and perspectives of this one. It traces the 'momentum of knowledge management' and gives a practical framework for knowledge innovation, the next wave. There are thought provoking concepts and practical questions to assess your organization's capability for knowledge innovation. For me, what sets this book apart from the many others is its high level of insight and original thinking, all expressed in a lucid style that is packed into an ideal format for those occasions when you want inspiration coupled with practical suggestions. So, if you are thinking about your organization's or your nation's future in the knowledge economy, then this is the book to read. It really is the Ken.

"Innovation Strategy for the Knowledge Economy: The Ken Awakening", by Debra Amidon, at just over 200 pages, is small compared to many conventional books on management. However, I believe its impact will be stronger, and its future brighter, than many much longer books on the subject.

As the title indicates, this book is about innovation strategy, a topic of great intellectual interest, and a type of strategy which business today needs to embrace, develop, articulate and implement.

If you are searching for a book to bring innovation to the forefront, and to discuss how innovation strategy can be put into practice, this book provides the best starting point, I could recommend. It is useful for everyone in business (including, but not limited to, executives and consultants) who regards innovation as a practical method to enhance the impacts and outcomes of business activities. Numerous other publications exist for those who regard innovation as merely a prestigious activity, not to be mixed with the "real" work of running an organization. The author has effectively linked knowledge and innovation strategy. I hope she will write more on the fascinating topic of innovation strategy.

"In my role, I read many, many books on leadership each year. Very rarely do I come across one such as Debra Amidon's 'Innovation Strategies for the Knowledge Economy'. It is clear, refreshingly original, pragmatic, and help-full. It is clearly written by someone who has been in senior leadership, (vs. an observer/consultant). Although it can be read quickly, it can also be re-read regularly to reveal more depth and wisdom each time. Well done!" Doug Macnamara - Vice President, The Banff Centre & General Manager, The Banff Centre for Management.

In a nutshell, this book provided ideas, strategies, and mechanisms to take the next big step beyond what others are doing. This book differentiates KM software applications to categorize information from the very human activities needed to create the innovative enterprise. When everyone has implemented KM..how do we create an ability to outperform competition? Some key thoughts and ideas are presented in this book. Always worth going back to for some inspiration.

An extraordinary book, with a comprehensive knowledge management review and fresh topics. Ideal for advanced readers in KM topics and the Innovation Process. Don't lose this reading.

Subsequent to the massive investments in such consulting fads, tools and initiatives as 'right sizing', 'process re-engineering', IT infrastructure, 'so called' knowledge-management, etc., etc... many enterprises around the globe are reeling from the unrealized gains and often harmuful effects stemming from these activities... and as being painfully exposed by the so called 'New Economy'. In this regard, many of these same people and entities responsible for such 'Tayloristic', fragmented and myopic activities are scrambling to find the most recently espoused solutions, tools and gimmicks to prop-up lackluster results, and in many cases, just to survive. In response, a plethora of authors, consultants and media-sellers are happy to fill the market with products and services that are, once again, proclaimed to be the "real truth".

If you are adamant in your belief that the ability to create a successful life, career, enterprise, or even nation, is contingent upon one's ability to manage and control those persons, entities and resources within their 'shpere of influence' in the spirit of head-to-head competition... please do not bother to purchase this book for yourself. Simply forward a copy to a dear friend, loved one or colleague who is in search of true enlightenment and is worthy of the timeless truths and wisdom inherent in this great work.

To her merit, Ms. Amidon has effectively researched, synthesized and articulated both the 'hows' and 'whys' anyone truly desiring a prosperous and sustainable future for themselves, their families and enterprises, and yes, even their country and the world at large, can accomplish such worthy endeavors. To this end, Ms. Amidon's work does not serve up a conjured 'solution', but simply sheds light on the simulatneously complex and yet simple truth.... that to successfully and conscientiously seek sustainable success in a dynamic and choatic environment.... one must nurture, lead and inspire others to collaboratively and holistically allign themselves to seek the continuous identification/measurement, synthesis and application/diffusion of all their combined tangible and intangible assets e.g., intellectual, social and financial capital. In a curt phrase with no intended disrespect... "It's innovation stupid."

Debra Amidon has provided a much needed synthesis of the emerging concepts from chaos theory , complex systems, self organizing communities, learning organizations and knowledge management practices to provide a guide to accelerating innovation in our companies. I have recommended this book to the CEOs in the Renaissance Executive Forums around the country. When you use Debra's book along with "The 2000 Percent Solution", a new book by Donald Mitchell you have a combination of advanced theories and practical experience to employee as you focus on the constant need to find new ways (innovation)to solve problems, new and old.

Any page you open you will find innovative and practical ideas. It is a book to come back to for more gems you have forgotten since reading it the last time. Debra Amidon has collected and integrated a lot of knowledge for her book on knowledge management. It is highly recommended for executives and consultants who are interested in the emerging field of knowledge management.