workers connecting in professional and scientific communities beyond the enterprise there is an enormous intellectual and creative pool emerging.


The so-called demographic time bomb is one of the big threats and opportunities as we move into the 21st century. Peter Drucker has pointed to the absurdity of applying the current pension philosophy to knowledge workers and thus invalidating their intellectual and social capital at a pre-defined date. This is a colossal waste, particularly at a time where state pension deficits are soaring while all hands – or rather all brains – are badly needed on deck. This exemplifies well the profound systemic changes required in regulatory frameworks, flexible work arrangements, life planning, work ethics, lifelong learning and a culture where generations re-learn to care for each other. The slowness and inertia that resist change


are a major obstacle to confront. Business has been struggling to become more nimble under the pressure of unforgiving markets – in particular with regard to a big increase of volatility and complexity during the last decades. Will those who act outside market conditions be able to change their culture and to adopt similar approaches?


Yves Doz and Mikko Kosonen in their book Fast Strategy (Wharton School Publishing 2008) have analysed how companies achieved what they called “strategic agility” – putting them in a position to take advantage of change and disruption. How can this be applied to public services, education and non-profit organisations?


There is another major challenge to deal with – it is the assessment of risk in today’s society. With an ambiguous and vaguely defined precautionary principle there is a capacity to stop innovation under the banner of a zero-risk policy. This principle has been imposed with a vengeance to parts of the “real” economy. However, it has been virtually ignored in the financial services sector, where toxic innovation created huge environmental damage – to humans, who are also part of the habitat of our planet. To re-inject some sound business judgement and more common sense


Celebrating 30 years of inspiring Africa’s managers


“The best way to predict the future is to create it”


Peter Drucker


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