Global Innovation Outlook

In early 2004, IBM took an unprecedented step: we opened up our annual technology and business forecasting processes to the world with the first Global Innovation Outlook. We gathered our top researchers, consultants and business leaders, armed them with the latest insight on emerging technical trends and socio-economic shifts, and created a platform upon which our entire innovation ecosystem could join together to surface new and unforeseen opportunities for business and societal innovation.

The GIO is rooted in the belief that the very nature of innovation has changed in the early days of the 21st century. It is increasingly open, collaborative, multi-disciplinary and global. This shift means that the truly revolutionary innovations of our time -- the ones that will create new markets, redefine old ones, and maybe even change the world for the better – require the participation and investment across multiple constituencies. The GIO challenges some of the brightest minds on the planet -- from the worlds of business, politics, academia, and non-profits – to collaboratively address some of the most vexing challenges on earth.

This collaboration begins with a series of open, dynamic conversations called "deep dives." To date, more than forty GIO deep dives on six continents have brought together over 550 influencers from three dozen countries. These free-form conversations, fueled by a diverse mix of expertise and perspectives, are inevitably candid and spirited. Collectively, they result in an explosion of ideas that spark new relationships, policy initiatives, and market opportunities for all involved.

In 2008, the GIO focused on two new areas that represent trillions of dollars in economic activity, have far-reaching societal impact and are ripe for innovation:

• The challenges every organization and individual faces resulting from the changing nature of security in an interdependent global society
• Social and economic implications of climate change and increasing pressures on water supplies and exploring the secrets of the deep ocean

True to its design, the findings of these deep dives will be available first here and on the GIO Blog, and then later through a series of print publications, industry events and other venues. To date, more than 200,000 copies of GIO findings have been distributed to businesses, universities and policy makers around the world. And IBM and its partners are currently investing millions of dollars in new policy, thought leadership and market development initiatives as a direct result of those initial GIO sessions.

Come back often to this site to track the progress of GIO in 2008 as it continues to unfold. And feel free to contribute to this important global conversation by posting your own thoughts at the GIO blog. The world is full of hard questions. Together, we may arrive at a few answers. That's innovation that matters.

Security and Society

The 21st Century has brought with it a near total redefining of the notion of security. Be it identity theft, border security, or corporate espionage, the security of every nation, business, organization and individual is in constant flux thanks to sophisticated technologies and a growing global interdependence. All aspects of security are being challenged by both large and small groups — even individuals — that have a disruptive capability disproportionate to their size or resources. At the same time, technology is providing unprecedented ways to sense and deter theft and other security breaches.

Businesses are looking for innovative ways to better protect their physical and digital assets, as well as the best interests of their customers. Policy makers are faced with the dilemma of enabling socioeconomic growth while mitigating security threats. And each of us is charged with protecting ourselves and our assets in this rapidly evolving, increasingly confusing, global security landscape.

Water and the Oceans

Water is the lifeblood of the entire planet, and major global shifts in population and climate are conspiring to have a major impact on business and society. Sustainable water supplies for human consumption, fishing, agriculture and commercial use are being forever altered by supply disruptions, pollution and overwhelming demand. And business leaders and policy makers are rushing to understand and predict the economic effects of flooding, rising sea level changes and extreme erosion.

But it's not all bad. The oceans are the last terrestrial frontier for discovery and exploration, and a potential source of new societal advances in energy, medicine and food. And with each shift in the availability of water, opportunity of global proportions emerges.