MESSAGE FOR WEEK BEGINNING 5th April 2004

everyone!

In an organisation whose business is it to have new ideas? The quick answer is 'everyone'. This applies to problem solving and also improving the way something is done. Some people even think about simplifying an existing process and that needs new ideas. Too often it is assumed that it is the business of the R&D to have new ideas. This is a bad mistake. The role, purpose and thinking of R&D is not about opportunity creation but about idea development. R&D does not operate in a void but opportunity does. There is no opportunity until it is seen and fashioned. I have often suggested that every organisation needs a 'Concept Department', which would be directly concerned with new ideas and opportunities.

Edward de Bono nmt
4th April 2004