Innovation Strategy for the Knowledge Economy, The Ken Awakening (Business Briefcase Series) (Paperback)

by Debra M Amidon (Author) "We had been to Paris several times-my daughter and I..." (more)
Key Phrases: strategic business network, complementary competencies, innovation strategy, New York, Amidon Rogers, Analog Devices (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
¦If you have reached a point where you believe that it is essential to tap into the full potential of knowledge in your organization, very few can offer better advice than Debra Amidon. Based on more than a decade of experience in applying insights on knowledge-driven innovation to the reality of business, she offers practical, impactful, and systematic ways to partner with your customers in order to create whole new pathways of value creation.¦¦Hubert Saint-Onge, V.P., People, Knowledge, and Strategies, The Mutual Group (Canada)

'Debra M. Amidon has captured the most forward-thinking ideas in the area of knowledge management and learning organizations and their impact on innovation. These emerging new concepts are effectively and creatively linked together and paint a clear picture of the possibilities of the future.'Gordon P. Petrash, Global Director, Intellectual Asset & Capital Management, The Dow Chemical Company

¦Just when you think you've caught up with the latest in strategic management theory, along comes Debra Amidon to challenge you with new and more exciting possibilities. This book is not intended for the neophyte manager. It is a mind-stretcher for the experienced and sophisticated manager whose corporation expects him or her to keep them well ahead of the competition.¦¦Dr. Bert Westwood, Former V.P., Research and Technology, Sandia National Laboratories and Martin Marietta Corporation.

¦This seminal book places a laser-beam focus on the most important core competency of our time¦innovation¦and stresses the need for the development of solid metrics to measure its performance.¦¦Dr. Corey Carbonara, Vice President for Innovation, Baylor University

¦The knowledge revolution, that we all are experiencing in our own ways, demands a different approach, attitude, and implementation of our management systems¦be they in industry, government, or academia. This book deals with these complex issues in a stimulating and thorough way.¦¦Erich Bloch, Distinguished Fellow, Council on Competitiveness (Washington, D.C.)

¦Debra Amidon has provided a much needed blueprint for how knowledge might be managed systematically, effectively, and profitably. The book points to how management of knowledge is central to continued innovation and supports and complements the other major processes of the enterprise.¦¦Karl Wiig, Chairman & CEO, Knowledge Research Institute, Inc.

¦If you would like to know how to participate in and be part of the fourth wave that is coming, we have to learn how to innovate as an organization. Debra shows us the way to achieve that creative use of the knowledge that exists in the minds of your people so that you can redefine your company to be part of the fourth wave.¦¦Robert H. Buckman, President and CEO, Buckman Laboratories

¦This book should be a wake-up call to small companies, as well as large, if they expect to compete in today's world. Although leaders of small organizations may think that they don't have the resources to pursue knowledge innovation, in fact they have the perfect laboratories for applying Ms. Amidon's strategies. Small companies have the agility, focus, ease of communication, and flexible culture that simplify the implementation of innovation management. Moreover, the supplier and customer alliances that are essential to survival can be readily shaped into a virtual enterprise, or Strategic Business Network, to provide competitive advantage.¦¦Robert Levy, Energy BioSystems Corporation

¦Think about Monet's series paintings¦it's the changing context that gives them meaning and significance, just as context gives knowledge meaning and significance. We all need a Ken Awakening!¦¦Tony Brewer, Wentworth Company, (England)

¦`Ken you?' While this book is not a `Ken-do' management text, it is provocative and does evoke a `Ken' awakening. After reading Amidon's book, you will not be complacent. You will want to move rapidly from an information - and even knowledge source - to one of wisdom. Some people learn to live, innovators live to learn. For the latter, this book should be on their must read list.¦¦Dr. F. Timothy Janis, President, ARAC, former Executive Director, Technology Transfer Society.

¦This book provides a sparkling synthesis of emergent knowledge management practices. Debra Amidon brings clarity and focus to the application of knowledge for product and service innovation. A must read for any organization developing knowledge and innovation strategy.¦¦Verna Allee, author, The Knowledge Evolution

¦The ability to create good metaphors and analogies (and tell good stories) is critical to the success of a theorist in this emerging field. Amidon's Monet metaphor is powerful.¦¦Britton Manascu, editor, Knowledge Inc.

¦When entering uncharted territory it is wise to rely on the guidance of a pioneer explorer. As an early protagonist, Debra Amidon has mastered the elusive concepts of knowledge management. She will introduce you to the intricacies of the emerging economy of knowledge with ease and confidence. If you are looking for a book that gives you a clear picture of knowledge innovation, helps you diagnose your potential and set your own strategy to survive the knowledge imperative, this is it!¦¦Francisco J. Carrillo, Director, Center for Knowledge Systems, ITESM (Mexico)

¦The power of innovation is one of the most fundamental resources for both organization and societal wealth. Ms. Amidon offers insightful and practical hands-on suggestions of how to move ahead with a powerful process for your knowledge innovation.¦¦Leif Edvinsson, from the Foreword

¦This adds up to far more than a timely review of the forces shaping tomorrow's business. It provides senior managers with a framework to take advantage of what is perhaps their organization's most precious, but under-managed resource: knowledge. Everyone reading this book can expect to be rewarded with a new and stimulating vision of how their businesses should be run.¦¦David Harvey, Director, Business Intelligence (England)

¦Exceptionally skilled in building consensus and working on complex issues that require collaborative efforts...with a rare quality of sensitivity and resoluteness.¦¦Dr. George Kozmetsky, Founder, Teledyne Corporation

¦Ms. Amidon displays extensive knowledge of technology transfer. She is articulate and effective in communication of complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences.¦¦Larry W. Sumney, President and CEO, Semiconductor Research Corporation

¦On my wall is a poster of Monet's `The Water Lily Pond' showing the bridge at Giverny. I look at it to inspire me when I'm planning for the future. Debra's book has the same effect¦it's an excellent bridge between tomorrow and today, and between theory and practice.¦¦David J. Skyrme, editor, I3: Intelligence, Insight, and Innovation

¦Today's world is in the whirl of accelerated change in all domains. Old theories and foundations are dying and the new are not yet invented. Management leaders are living in the dark as to what strategies will make them successful. Exclusive focus on the short term does not enable a vision of the future. Debra's book provides the strategic light with a theory of modern management, precise methods for application and a formula for building the successful knowledge-based enterprise.¦¦Dr. Eunika Mercier-Laurent, EML Conseil-Knowledge Management (France)

¦At Monsanto, the challenge that we have taken upon ourselves is ¦How do we engage the collective intellect of the people in Monsanto to turn information into insight to serve our customers and the marketplace?¦ Debra M. Amidon lucidly explores the concept of knowledge innovation and its criticality for ¦the success of an enterprise, vitality of a nation's economy and the advancement of society.¦ I highly recommend the book.¦¦Bipin Junnarkar, Director, Knowledge Management, Monsanto Company

¦As Debra suggests, the innovation process must be made explicit. In this r -- Review

Review
¦If you have reached a point where you believe that it is essential to tap into the full potential of knowledge in your organization, very few can offer better advice than Debra Amidon. Based on more than a decade of experience in applying insights on knowledge-driven innovation to the reality of business, she offers practical, impactful, and systematic ways to partner with your customers in order to create whole new pathways of value creation.¦¦Hubert Saint-Onge, V.P., People, Knowledge, and Strategies, The Mutual Group (Canada)

'Debra M. Amidon has captured the most forward-thinking ideas in the area of knowledge management and learning organizations and their impact on innovation. These emerging new concepts are effectively and creatively linked together and paint a clear picture of the possibilities of the future.'Gordon P. Petrash, Global Director, Intellectual Asset & Capital Management, The Dow Chemical Company

¦Just when you think you've caught up with the latest in strategic management theory, along comes Debra Amidon to challenge you with new and more exciting possibilities. This book is not intended for the neophyte manager. It is a mind-stretcher for the experienced and sophisticated manager whose corporation expects him or her to keep them well ahead of the competition.¦¦Dr. Bert Westwood, Former V.P., Research and Technology, Sandia National Laboratories and Martin Marietta Corporation.

¦This seminal book places a laser-beam focus on the most important core competency of our time¦innovation¦and stresses the need for the development of solid metrics to measure its performance.¦¦Dr. Corey Carbonara, Vice President for Innovation, Baylor University

¦The knowledge revolution, that we all are experiencing in our own ways, demands a different approach, attitude, and implementation of our management systems¦be they in industry, government, or academia. This book deals with these complex issues in a stimulating and thorough way.¦¦Erich Bloch, Distinguished Fellow, Council on Competitiveness (Washington, D.C.)

¦Debra Amidon has provided a much needed blueprint for how knowledge might be managed systematically, effectively, and profitably. The book points to how management of knowledge is central to continued innovation and supports and complements the other major processes of the enterprise.¦¦Karl Wiig, Chairman & CEO, Knowledge Research Institute, Inc.

¦If you would like to know how to participate in and be part of the fourth wave that is coming, we have to learn how to innovate as an organization. Debra shows us the way to achieve that creative use of the knowledge that exists in the minds of your people so that you can redefine your company to be part of the fourth wave.¦¦Robert H. Buckman, President and CEO, Buckman Laboratories

¦This book should be a wake-up call to small companies, as well as large, if they expect to compete in today's world. Although leaders of small organizations may think that they don't have the resources to pursue knowledge innovation, in fact they have the perfect laboratories for applying Ms. Amidon's strategies. Small companies have the agility, focus, ease of communication, and flexible culture that simplify the implementation of innovation management. Moreover, the supplier and customer alliances that are essential to survival can be readily shaped into a virtual enterprise, or Strategic Business Network, to provide competitive advantage.¦¦Robert Levy, Energy BioSystems Corporation

¦Think about Monet's series paintings¦it's the changing context that gives them meaning and significance, just as context gives knowledge meaning and significance. We all need a Ken Awakening!¦¦Tony Brewer, Wentworth Company, (England)

¦`Ken you?' While this book is not a `Ken-do' management text, it is provocative and does evoke a `Ken' awakening. After reading Amidon's book, you will not be complacent. You will want to move rapidly from an information - and even knowledge source - to one of wisdom. Some people learn to live, innovators live to learn. For the latter, this book should be on their must read list.¦¦Dr. F. Timothy Janis, President, ARAC, former Executive Director, Technology Transfer Society.

¦This book provides a sparkling synthesis of emergent knowledge management practices. Debra Amidon brings clarity and focus to the application of knowledge for product and service innovation. A must read for any organization developing knowledge and innovation strategy.¦¦Verna Allee, author, The Knowledge Evolution

¦The ability to create good metaphors and analogies (and tell good stories) is critical to the success of a theorist in this emerging field. Amidon's Monet metaphor is powerful.¦¦Britton Manascu, editor, Knowledge Inc.

¦When entering uncharted territory it is wise to rely on the guidance of a pioneer explorer. As an early protagonist, Debra Amidon has mastered the elusive concepts of knowledge management. She will introduce you to the intricacies of the emerging economy of knowledge with ease and confidence. If you are looking for a book that gives you a clear picture of knowledge innovation, helps you diagnose your potential and set your own strategy to survive the knowledge imperative, this is it!¦¦Francisco J. Carrillo, Director, Center for Knowledge Systems, ITESM (Mexico)

¦The power of innovation is one of the most fundamental resources for both organization and societal wealth. Ms. Amidon offers insightful and practical hands-on suggestions of how to move ahead with a powerful process for your knowledge innovation.¦¦Leif Edvinsson, from the Foreword

¦This adds up to far more than a timely review of the forces shaping tomorrow's business. It provides senior managers with a framework to take advantage of what is perhaps their organization's most precious, but under-managed resource: knowledge. Everyone reading this book can expect to be rewarded with a new and stimulating vision of how their businesses should be run.¦¦David Harvey, Director, Business Intelligence (England)

¦Exceptionally skilled in building consensus and working on complex issues that require collaborative efforts...with a rare quality of sensitivity and resoluteness.¦¦Dr. George Kozmetsky, Founder, Teledyne Corporation

¦Ms. Amidon displays extensive knowledge of technology transfer. She is articulate and effective in communication of complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences.¦¦Larry W. Sumney, President and CEO, Semiconductor Research Corporation

¦On my wall is a poster of Monet's `The Water Lily Pond' showing the bridge at Giverny. I look at it to inspire me when I'm planning for the future. Debra's book has the same effect¦it's an excellent bridge between tomorrow and today, and between theory and practice.¦¦David J. Skyrme, editor, I3: Intelligence, Insight, and Innovation

¦Today's world is in the whirl of accelerated change in all domains. Old theories and foundations are dying and the new are not yet invented. Management leaders are living in the dark as to what strategies will make them successful. Exclusive focus on the short term does not enable a vision of the future. Debra's book provides the strategic light with a theory of modern management, precise methods for application and a formula for building the successful knowledge-based enterprise.¦¦Dr. Eunika Mercier-Laurent, EML Conseil-Knowledge Management (France)

¦At Monsanto, the challenge that we have taken upon ourselves is ¦How do we engage the collective intellect of the people in Monsanto to turn information into insight to serve our customers and the marketplace?¦ Debra M. Amidon lucidly explores the concept of knowledge innovation and its criticality for ¦the success of an enterprise, vitality of a nation's economy and the advancement of society.¦ I highly recommend the book.¦¦Bipin Junnarkar, Director, Knowledge Management, Monsanto Company

¦As Debra suggests, the innovation process must be made explicit. In this r

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750698411
• ISBN-13: 978-0750698412
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,205,172 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Innovation - A Definite Leverage Point, March 14, 2005

By	Robert G. Turner (Springfield, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for in todays global business environment, October 9, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Kirkland, WA, USA) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book full of insights with a practical framework., August 23, 1998

By	[e-mail] (David Skyrme) (England) - See all my reviews

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.