CIAO DATE: 01/02

Ecologies of Innovation: The Role of Information and Communications Technologies

Abstract

In these times of rapid change in the technological, political, and cultural spheres, we often hear people speak of "innovation"—usually in a very positive sense. Indeed, innovations are important elements for growth, progress, and success in a variety of contexts. But what do we mean by innovation? How does it differ from the process of change itself? Once defined, how are innovations encouraged? Perhaps most significantly, what types of environments are conducive to innovation? What might individuals, organizations, governments, and others do to encourage the positive aspects of this very significant societal element?

In July of 1999, the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program convened its Eighth Annual Aspen Institute Roundtable on Information Technology in Aspen, Colorado to explore Ecologies of Innovation. This report, which in my opinion is among the best of this series of reports by journalist David Bollier, our perennial Roundtable rapporteur, summarizes the discussion among 23 participants from high technology industries, finance, academia, and the non-profit sector.

Ecologies of Innovation: The Role of Information and Communications Technologies (PDF File)