Categories
Uncategorized

Don Tapscott on mass collaboration

This is not really an article, but I think this video applies itself readily to the collaboration module that we studied in class. Macrowikinomics is a book written by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams about the evolving modes of problem solving through the use of the collaborating on the Internet. They argue that the collaboration efforts facilitated by our online networks can not only fundamentally change the economy but all of society and that the companies who are able to embrace this new phenomenon will be able to succeed. They are noticing that these types of outward looking collaboration efforts are increasingly becoming a common place in business and societal changes.

Don highlights a number of situations where companies have very successfully collaborated. In China a group of parts manufacturers were able to pool their resources in order to form a motorcycle manufacturing cooperative. A collaboration effort made possible through the Internet.

He also mentioned Proctor and Gambles Ideagora and how they are able to successfully collaborate outside of their company. Noting that 50% of their innovation comes from outside. Instead of having the “Not invented here syndrome” they profess to having the “Proudly Found Elsewhere” syndrome. Scientists inside the company are compensated to look for the best innovations.