Author: Mariona Luis Tomás

Innovating through new economies: opportunities and challenges

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In a constantly transforming world, innovation becomes the driving force that propels the evolution of our societies and economies. One of the greatest opportunities today lies in the emergence of new economies that provide spaces to reimagine products, services, and processes. These emerging economies not only generate new market dynamics but also propose a more sustainable, inclusive model focused on collective well-being.

New economies and their relationship with innovation

Governments worldwide are developing policies to foster and strengthen these new economies, recognizing their ability to generate employment, social cohesion, and a positive environmental impact. From tax incentives to funding pilot projects, public initiatives aim to support business creativity aligned with sustainable development goals.

But what do we mean by these new economies? Here are the ones I find most relevant:

1. Social economy

The social economy is based on values such as solidarity, equality, and justice. It focuses on businesses and organizations whose main goal is not to maximize profit but to generate value for society, such as cooperatives, mutual societies, and associations. Innovating in this area means developing more professional, inclusive, and democratic business models, integrating technologies to enhance citizen participation and management efficiency.

2. Orange economy

The orange economy focuses on cultural and creative industries: art, design, film, music, literature, video games, and more. Its innovation potential lies in the ability to connect creativity and technology to produce cultural products that attract global markets. Governments supporting this sector often provide grants for artistic creation and facilitate the internationalization of creative businesses.

3. Silver economy

With an aging population, the silver economy addresses the needs of older people. From technological health devices to personalized tourism services, this sector offers a vast field for innovation. Public policies in this area often include investments in research on active aging and programs that promote the inclusion of the senior population in the digital economy.

4. Blue economy

The blue economy is linked to the sustainability of oceans and marine resources. Innovating in this economy involves developing technologies, knowledge, and capabilities to responsibly exploit marine resources, such as sustainable aquaculture, tidal energy, low-impact coastal tourism, and marine bioplastics. Coastal countries are implementing policies to protect marine ecosystems while boosting local economic growth.

5. Green economy

This economy focuses on environmental sustainability, promoting practices that reduce ecological footprints and encourage the efficient use of resources. Innovating in this area involves developing renewable energies, fostering the circular economy, and applying clean technologies that contribute to a more sustainable future.

6. Circular economy

The circular economy seeks to eliminate the concept of “waste” by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials. Innovating here means rethinking the product lifecycle to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact, promoting a regenerative economic system by design.

7. Knowledge economy

Based on the value generated by information, technology, and human capital, this economy focuses on sectors such as education, research and development, and information technologies. Innovation in this area involves developing systems that enhance access to knowledge and its application in solving global problems.

8. Collaborative economy

Driven by digital platforms, this economy encourages the exchange of goods and services between individuals, such as Airbnb, BlaBlaCar, or coworking platforms. Innovating in this area means improving user experiences, security, and platform efficiency, promoting more accessible and sustainable models.

9. Digital economy

Closely linked to the knowledge economy, the digital economy focuses on the impact of digitization and technology on creating economic value. It includes areas such as e-commerce, fintech, and cryptocurrencies, all of which have high potential for disruption and innovation.

10. Data economy

The data economy is based on leveraging the vast amounts of data generated by individuals, companies, and connected devices. Innovating in this field means developing tools and methodologies to analyze, manage, and transform data into valuable information for decision-making. Sectors such as marketing, healthcare, and logistics are already experiencing a significant impact from the data economy, with policies promoting security and privacy in its use.

These emerging economies represent a paradigm shift in how we understand economic growth. Companies that choose to innovate in these sectors not only gain competitiveness but also contribute to building a more balanced and resilient world. Now more than ever, it is crucial for the private sector, governments, and communities to work together to maximize the positive impact of these new economies. Each of them can be a meaningful path, and together, they can help build the world we would like to see.

A year of innovation: summary of blog posts from 2024

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

As we close out 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the topics covered in our blog, focusing on innovation and its impact on various sectors. Below is a summary of this year’s posts, organized chronologically:

  1. Some guidelines on how to measure innovation (September 3, 2024): This post provided directives to evaluate the performance of innovative initiatives, ensuring they generate the expected value and contribute to organizational growth. Read more
  2. Innovation management software (September 10, 2024): This article offered insights into digital tools that facilitate the management of innovation processes, helping companies organize and evaluate their initiatives effectively. Read more
  3. Building a business culture that fosters innovation (September 17, 2024): This post discussed the importance of promoting an organizational culture that encourages creativity and embraces change, key factors for success in dynamic environments. Read more
  4. Video podcast: Digital Moms (September 24, 2024): In a personal interview, experiences were shared about motherhood, innovation, and the use of social media, offering a unique perspective on balancing personal and professional life. Read more
  5. Open innovation: Innovating beyond internal boundaries (October 1, 2024): This post explored the concept of open innovation, highlighting external collaboration as a strategy to foster creativity and develop new solutions. Read more
  6. Innovation for leadership transformation in a major hotel chain (October 10, 2024): This article examined how innovation can transform leadership in the hotel sector, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new trends and technologies to stay competitive. Read more
  7. Scaling innovation: From pilot concept to global reality (October 15, 2024): This post analyzed how businesses can scale an innovation from a pilot phase to large-scale implementation, overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities for global impact. Read more
  8. Innovation and sustainability: The path to a responsible future (October 22, 2024): This post examined the intersection of innovation and sustainability, proposing strategies for balanced and environmentally conscious development. Read more
  9. Ethics in innovation: A fundamental pillar for the future (October 29, 2024): This post reflected on the importance of incorporating ethical considerations into innovation processes, ensuring technological progress benefits society as a whole. Read more
  10. 6 key strategies for identifying future innovation trends (Part 1) (November 5, 2024): This post presented methods for anticipating innovation trends, allowing organizations to proactively adapt to market changes. Read more
  11. Another 6 strategies for identifying future innovation trends (Part 2) (November 12, 2024): This post complemented the previous strategies with new techniques to identify and leverage emerging trends in innovation. Read more
  12. Additional strategies for capturing future innovation trends (Part 3) (November 19, 2024): This post concluded the series on identifying future innovation trends, offering additional tools to build a solid and resilient approach to the future. Read more
  13. Preparing for the future of innovation management (November 26, 2024): This article discussed the need for an adaptable mindset in innovation management, considering the rapid pace of technological advancement and changing consumer expectations. Read more
  14. The robotics revolution in tourism (December 3, 2024): This post explored the impact of robotics on the tourism sector, analyzing how new technologies are transforming the industry and enhancing the customer experience. Read more

This year, the blog has offered a wide range of perspectives on innovation, providing tools and reflections to address current and future challenges. As we move into a new year, we will continue to explore and share knowledge that drives development and transformation across various sectors.

5 more proposals to promote innovation in public administration

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Last week, five proposals were presented to promote innovation in public administration. Below, five additional proposals are outlined in the same direction:

Transparency and accountability: Proactively publishing information about public management and establishing clear accountability mechanisms increases citizens’ trust in institutions. Managing data robustly is fundamental, and the key to achieving this is digital transformation, even in the simplest processes.

Evaluation and continuous improvement: Implementing periodic evaluation systems for policies and programs allows the identification of areas for improvement and the adjustment of strategies to achieve proposed objectives. In the administrations I’m familiar with, this is often neglected, yet it is fundamental for identifying opportunities and improvement areas in the policies undertaken, as well as directly holding public managers accountable.

Efficient resource management: Optimizing the use of financial, human, and material resources ensures the sustainability of initiatives and maximizes the impact of public actions. Efficient management includes actions taken by anyone in the administration; it is not solely the responsibility of leaders. Acting with awareness of working for the public good is a cornerstone of public management.

Promotion of an innovation culture: Fostering a work environment that encourages creativity and the proposal of new ideas among public employees contributes to the generation of innovative solutions. In this post, we’ve discussed the culture of innovation, and there are many initiatives that can promote it.

Adaptation to climate change and sustainability: Integrating sustainability criteria and resilience to climate change into public policies ensures balanced and environmentally responsible development. Keeping this perspective in mind when defining public management can contribute to more innovative policies and greater future opportunities.

Transforming organizations in the public sector is not easy without feeling frustrated by the slow pace of change. However, I often share that the first time I invited companies from the public sector to discuss innovation, only five attended. Fifteen years later, the same forum was fully booked with over 120 companies. The only constant is change.

5 proposals for innovation in public administration

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Innovation in public administration is essential to improve efficiency, transparency, and the quality of services offered to citizens. This article aims to share key elements for fostering innovation in the public sector. Below are five essential proposals to drive this transformation:

  1. Simplification of administrative procedures: Reducing bureaucracy and eliminating unnecessary processes make it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with the administration, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. This requires designers of processes to ask what the minimum information needed to manage them is and how citizens can clearly identify and understand what is being requested of them.
  2. Comprehensive digitalization of services: Implementing digital platforms that allow users to access public services online promotes transparency and reduces waiting times. More and more people are learning to interact digitally, and within two generations, progress in this area will be significant. The digitalization of public services can contribute to this evolution with all the implications it entails.
  3. Continuous training of personnel: Training public employees in new technologies and work methodologies ensures constant adaptation to change and improves the quality of services. Additionally, it fosters a readiness for change among public employees, which can drive transformation in public administration.
  4. Encouraging citizen participation: Establishing effective channels for citizens to participate in decision-making and service evaluation strengthens democracy and shared responsibility. Over the last century, too much individual responsibility has been delegated to public administration. It’s time to reclaim this duty and the right that comes with it.
  5. Public-private collaboration: Promoting strategic partnerships with the private sector to leverage resources and expertise generates innovative solutions to public problems. One way to expand public capacity is by creating solutions from the private sector.

The implementation of these proposals requires a determined commitment from authorities and active citizen participation, aiming to build a more modern, efficient, and citizen-centered public administration.

The robotics revolution in tourism

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

On November 12th, I attended a fascinating event about robotics in the HORECA sector (hospitality, restaurants, and catering), organized by the Fundació BIT. It was an eye-opening experience, highlighting how technological innovation is rapidly transforming our industry. In this post, I share my thoughts on some of the most intriguing points discussed during the event.

Key Advances in Robotics for the Sector

  1. Enhanced sensory capabilities: In recent years, robots have significantly improved their automatic perception abilities thanks to the integration of image recognition, radar, and laser technologies. This advancement broadens their practical applications.
  2. AI and digital twins: Technologies like artificial intelligence, digital twins, and machine learning are driving a new era in service robotics, opening up possibilities that seemed like science fiction just a decade ago.
  3. The rise of cobots: Unlike traditional autonomous robots, cobots (collaborative robots) are designed to work alongside people, not replace them. This collaborative approach seeks to create environments where humans and robots act as partners, not competitors.
  4. Mobile cobots and innovative business models: The concept of mobile cobots, such as robotic arms on wheeled platforms, and the “Robot as a Service” (RaaS) model—pay-per-use—were introduced as more flexible alternatives to buying or leasing robots.
  5. Specific applications: Cobots are ideal for tasks that complement human capabilities, while autonomous robots are designed for independent operations, such as in highly automated fast-food concepts.
  6. Trends in interfaces and training: Interacting with robots is becoming increasingly intuitive, eliminating the need for advanced programming skills. However, this shift requires new training models for workers.
  7. Implementation strategies: Starting with robots designed for simple, repetitive, and routine tasks can be an effective strategy before tackling more complex applications.

Implications for Tourism

In the context of tourism, these advances have key implications for decision-makers:

  • Addressing labor shortages: In areas such as F&B (food and beverage) and cleaning, where there is a lack of workers, cobots can be a vital tool. Their implementation should focus on improving employee well-being.
  • Adapting to change: Transitioning to robotics requires not only adapting spaces but also adjusting processes and expectations. It’s not about replicating what people do, but about redefining tasks for which robots are best suited.
  • Priority areas: Tasks like cleaning and goods transportation were identified as key areas for transformation through robotics.
  • Learning from other industries: Adopting robotic solutions from more advanced sectors can be an effective strategy for tourism. Robots should be seen as tools that empower employees, not as replacements.
  • Inspiring applications: From ingredient dispensers to robots that cook tortillas during show cooking or serve beer, the possibilities are nearly endless. Other examples include kitchen robots for concepts like “dark kitchens,” exoskeletons to reduce physical strain, and robots for maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Conclusion

Robotics applied to tourism has the potential to transform not only operational processes but also the experiences of both workers and customers. The key is to move forward strategically, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces the human factor that makes our sector so special.

Preparing for the future of Innovation Management

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

Innovation management is a constantly evolving field that demands an adaptable, change-ready mindset. With technologies advancing rapidly and consumer expectations transforming, organizations must prepare for an innovation environment that is more challenging and dynamic than ever before. Below, I propose some of the fundamental pillars to prepare for this future:

Adopting a proactive and adaptable mindset: Preparing for the future requires a constant openness to change. Organizations that cultivate a proactive attitude, seeking to adapt and evolve, have a greater capacity to respond to the unexpected and find opportunities where others see challenges.

Cultivating a culture of innovation: Innovation is not limited to one department; it must permeate the entire organization, to individuals one by one. This includes fostering leadership commitment, cross-team collaboration, talent development, and inclusion and diversity. A strong innovation culture facilitates continuous adaptation and creativity at all levels.

Strategic alignment and risk management: To be sustainable and ethical in their innovation efforts, organizations must align their innovation strategies with their corporate values ​​and goals, while maintaining a risk management and resilience approach. This not only allows for more robust growth, but also better preparedness to deal with disruptions.

Leverage advanced technology and management tools: The future of innovation requires modern technological infrastructure, from rapid prototyping to accurate measurement of results. Implementing advanced tools, combined with proper intellectual property management, drives innovation capability to the next level.

Focus on the customer and commit to continuous improvement: An organization that places the customer at the center of its innovation strategy and fosters a culture of continuous improvement can better adapt to changing market expectations. A customer-centric approach helps align innovative developments with real and future user needs.

The future of innovation management is not just about anticipating new technologies or methodologies; It is a comprehensive process that includes culture, leadership, technology, and commitment to organizational values. Companies that prepare themselves adequately will not only be ready to adapt, but also to lead in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. Are you ready to manage the innovation of the future?

Some additional strategies to capture future trends in Innovation (Part 3)

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

To close this series of strategies aimed at identifying future trends in innovation, we will explore five additional strategies, which I find interesting to build a solid and resilient approach to the future of innovation.

Analysis of emerging technological trends: Identifying and analyzing technologies that are in an early phase, such as advanced artificial intelligence or new generation renewable energies, allows organizations to detect disruptive opportunities before they become massive. This approach is essential to stay ahead.

Connection with innovation networks and ecosystems: Collaborating and staying connected with other actors in the innovation ecosystem – such as startups, incubators, universities and research centers – is a key strategy to capture new ideas and trends that are not yet fully developed in the market.

Data management and predictive analysis: The digital age offers a large amount of useful data to identify patterns and predict future trends. Predictive analysis becomes an indispensable tool for organizations that want to anticipate the evolution of their sector, I think we will see great changes in this regard.

Use of open innovation: Integrating open innovation approaches allows companies to access external knowledge and collaborate on solutions that could be out of their reach if they operated in isolation. Open innovation facilitates greater flexibility and access to novel ideas. Identifying innovation challenges in companies and participating in hackathons seems especially interesting to me.

Fostering a culture of curiosity and constant learning: Future trends are best detected in environments where continuous learning is a priority. Creating a business culture in which the team is constantly updated and in search of new knowledge allows changes to be detected proactively, in addition to generating a better work environment and more joy of living.

By combining these strategies, organizations can strengthen their ability to anticipate change and adapt quickly, not only surviving but thriving in the uncertain future of innovation. Ultimately, analyzing and understanding trends is not a one-time process; It is a constant commitment that requires a broad, collaborative and proactive vision.

6 more strategies to identify future trends in innovation (Part 2)

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In this second installment, we propose six more key strategies to identify future trends in innovation. These techniques complement those seen in the previous post and provide us with additional tools to anticipate change.

Analysis of social networks and digital platforms: Social networks are a rich source of data on emerging trends and changes in consumer behavior. Analyzing this data helps to discover movements in real time and to detect opportunities for transformation and improvement that can hardly be reached through other means. With machine learning and artificial intelligence, these analysis processes are greatly reduced in cost, and it is worth implementing automatic diagnostic mechanisms in networks.

Investment in research and development (R&D): Continuous research not only drives internal innovation, but also allows us to stay abreast of external developments that can impact the industry. Public investment in R&D allows SMEs to access the generation of relevant knowledge that can determine their future.

Collaboration with universities and research centres: Linked to the above, partnering with academic institutions around R&D projects facilitates access to cutting-edge research that is not yet on the market.

Trends in policies and regulation: The regulatory environment has a direct impact on companies. Staying informed about legislative and regulatory changes, especially in Europe, allows you to anticipate necessary adjustments to products or services.

Participation in conferences and innovation forums: These events not only allow you to discover emerging technologies and practices, but are also a space for networking with other industry leaders, a space for sharing and collaborating.

Trend studies in specialist publications: Reading reports and market analyses published by research companies helps to identify potential trends early on and to understand how they are evolving.

These advanced strategies allow for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing change. Stay tuned for the latest post on this topic!

6 key strategies to identify innovation future trends

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In the dynamic world of innovation, anticipating the future is essential. Innovation is not just a reactive process; it requires proactivity and a vision that anticipates changes. In this first installment on strategies for identifying future innovation trends, I will explore six fundamental methods for anticipating what is to come and adapting effectively.

Megatrend analysis: Observing global patterns that impact various industries allows you to foresee how the business environment will change and how to position yourself in the face of those changes. The shift toward sustainability, for example, is now a megatrend that should determine the innovation strategies of any organization.

Scenario exploration: Imagining hypothetical futures helps prepare for multiple possible outcomes. Scenario analysis allows organizations to strengthen their adaptive capacity and resilience. Alice’s father’s recipe, 6 impossible things before breakfast, can be a start.

Competitor study and comparative analysis: Analyzing the innovation strategies of other actors allows you to discover points of improvement and opportunities not yet exploited. This includes competitors, of course, but also potential substitute producers, collaborators, other links in the value chain, etc. For me the question is: What is the company that is going to take us out of the market?

Research into changes in customer preferences: Changes in consumer habits can mark the beginning of new trends. Research and analysis of these changes is essential, biasing by profile or customer segment to which the organization’s offer is directed.

Mapping emerging technologies: Monitoring new technologies that are emerging helps anticipate their potential impact on the organization’s products and services. It is important not to lose sight of the fact that it is about identifying technologies that make sense for the organization, and to be very cold in identifying these technologies.

Monitoring startups and innovation ecosystems: Startups often adopt technologies and trends before larger companies. Observing their evolution can offer clues about future market directions. Integrating the developments that start-ups are making, buying them, is something that most of the large companies we know are doing, in sectors such as energy, tourism, data,… Hackathons are mainly about that.

These strategies allow us to stay on the crest of the wave and respond quickly to changes. In the next post, we will see six additional approaches to continue developing a solid and effective future innovation strategy.

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Ethics in innovation, a key pillar for the future

Posted on by Mariona Luis Tomás

In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, ethical issues have taken a central role in the conversation about the future. The impact of innovation is not limited to efficiency or economic growth; it also has profound implications for privacy, equity, and human rights. I believe it is essential that innovation is not only disruptive but also ethical, aimed at generating a positive impact on society as a whole.

Ethical dilemmas of technological innovation

Technological innovations present a wide variety of ethical dilemmas. Some of the most critical issues include:

  • Privacy and data protection: In the information age, the mass collection of data raises significant concerns about how personal data is used and protected.
  • Cybersecurity: As we rely more on digital systems, ensuring security against cyber threats is both an ethical and technical challenge.
  • AI and automation: The automation of work and the increasing use of artificial intelligence raise doubts about its impact on employment, autonomous decision-making, and control over these technologies.
  • Equitable access to social services, such as education or healthcare: Innovations in education, biotechnology, and healthcare, among others, must ensure equitable access to medical and educational advances, avoiding the creation of inequalities.
  • Ethics in research: Science must advance responsibly, respecting human rights and maintaining high ethical standards in the treatment of people and data.

Key principles of ethical innovation

To ensure that innovation aligns with ethical values, several fundamental principles must be followed:

  • Privacy and data protection: It is crucial to respect and protect personal information, implementing adequate security measures.
  • Ethical artificial intelligence and technology: Developing and using AI that respects human autonomy and avoids discriminatory biases is key for fair and responsible adoption.
  • Environmental responsibility: Sustainability must be part of the innovation process, ensuring that technological developments do not harm the environment.
  • Stakeholder participation: Involving all stakeholders in the innovation process, including employees, customers, and society at large, promotes fair and inclusive decision-making.
  • Responsible innovation culture: Organizations must foster a culture where ethical reflection is continuous, encouraging responsible and transparent business practices.

Examples of ethical innovations

Various sectors are already adopting ethics as a guiding principle in their innovation:

  • Ethical supply chains: Technologies such as blockchain are being used to improve transparency in supply chains, ensuring fair and responsible labor practices.
  • Humanitarian innovation: Technological solutions aimed at addressing urgent social issues, such as access to healthcare through telemedicine or mobile technologies for vulnerable populations.
  • Social innovation: Different initiatives address important but non-urgent social challenges.

Ethics in innovation is not an accessory; it is fundamental to ensuring that new technologies and processes benefit society in a fair and equitable way. In an increasingly connected and automated world, organizations must prioritize an ethical approach in their innovation processes to not only thrive but also generate a long-term positive impact. Ethics in innovation is not only a pillar for success but also for trust and future sustainability.