I've just finished reading an interesting essay on TechCrunch called The Cost of Prudence that has really resonated with me.
It discusses the impact bureaucracy has on innovation, or more to the point that it kills innovation. It is well worth the read, especially if you work in Government or a large organization that has gone down a similar path.
Speaking from experience with almost 7 years working in Government, trying to be innovative is almost impossible. As Government Departments and Agencies grow and evolve, processes and procedures can seriously hamper innovation, especially when it involves technology.
Unless you have management willing to take risk, it is a battle to get anything off the ground. I started developing a social network for our many community groups over two years ago. I am yet to get approval. Every time I think it is close to being launched another obstacle or as my managers call them, checks are put in my way. I continue to comply to their requests and get the required information necessary to move the project to the next level. I am not sure how many levels there are but have a sneaking suspicion that they are endless and possibly designed to avoid ever launching my network!
The longer I work in health care, the more interested I become in some of the fantastic initiatives happening in developing countries. I think this comes from seeing people who are in great need and with little in terms of material or financial means getting access to health that utilizes technology.
This video is the first of a 4 part series showcasing ICT in Asia.
When properly applied, information and communication technologies (ICTs) can help the developing countries in Asia - home to 60% of humanity -- to generate wealth, create more jobs and improve living conditions for millions of poor people. Finding strategic ways to accomplish this is what the Pan Asia Networking (PAN) programme has done successfully for over a decade.
A project of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), PAN has played a pioneering role in introducing, popularising and promoting the tools of ICT across developing Asia. In recent years, PAN has focused on applying Internet and online technologies to meet the region's development needs, and has supported action research projects in Rural ICT, Distance Education, ICT Localisation and e-commerce. All projects are implemented by local experts and partners.
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