Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lachlan Blackhall What is Innovation? Starts with solving a problem The problem can be big or small - solving small problems very, very well makes for excellent innovations. Innovation is not invention innovation requires commercialisation. At it core innovation in the process of delivering value by solving a problem for a specific customer. Entrepreneurship Lots of different meanings. To me: About being a problem solver. Challenging the status quo. Solving significant challenges. Deriving social impact. Hopefully making a difference. Intellectual freedom. Entrepreneurship as a Discipline Is there a single path to being an entrepreneur? What qualifications and skills does someone need to have to be an entrepreneur? Is there a single type of entrepreneur? Entrepreneurship No one type of entrepreneur: Business in your bedroom. Small business. Non profit. NGO. Intrapreneur. Start-ups (high tech and otherwise). Fortune 500. Entrepreneurship Skills and Qualifications Skills and Qualities Communications Project management Understanding of risk Good head for finance Moral and ethical Many more Entrepreneurship Skills and Qualifications Qualifications Not needed but a great asset. Ideally related to the venture you are pursuing but not essential. The process of studying is supportive of the entrepreneurial process. What other skills and qualifications can you think of? Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Energy Renewable energy Energy efficiency New business models around energy generation, transmission and delivery. Energy storage Energy metering Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Food Security Major challenge for many nations Problem is only increasing as the world's population grows Water and Sanitation Health and Wellbeing Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Web, Mobile and Digital (Both B2B and B2C and an emerging trend in B2B2C) Everything that can go from atoms to bits will. Communications are vital to the world. Very many successful business models in this space but very many failures also. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Fashion Lifestyle Cooking Transport Financial products Shipping, Logistics and Distribution The list goes on. Innovation at Work BnE Media SimplyShow.me 7Write Control School BnE Media Emerging digital media company Animated childrens storybook applications for iOS and Android. Games and other digital content. Exploring new opportunities in Merchandising Fashion Etc... SimplyShow.me Mobile / Web application for customer service and support. Potential for use in government service delivery 7Write Looking to develop writing software for authors. Using existing software as a template. Innovative marketing and communications strategy. Control School Delivering control theory workshops initially in East Africa. Trying to build a network of people and content to deliver these workshops all over the world.