The next 10 places for innovation
Innovation is perhaps our most valuable commodity. Take a look at the next 10 groups and places where innovation is tangible and thought leaders are unshackling imaginations.
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http://www.epigenome-noe.netEpigenome Network of Excellence, Europe
Aiming to boost "European epigenetic research as a world-leading force" the Epigenome Network of Excellence has set up inspirational workshops and collaborations. Brought together are research scientists and Textile Futures students at Central Saint Martins, plus Nobel prize-winning life scientists and fashion designers, the organization produces ambitious concepts and, in some cases, products for the future.
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http://www.labiennale.org/en/architectureThe International Architecture Exhibition, Italy
Sub-titled "Out There: Architecture Beyond Building", the architectural arm of the Venice Biennale promises to collect and encourage experimentation in architecture. Summing up the spirit of the event, director Aaron Betsky said: "Such experimentation can take the form of momentary constructions, visions of other worlds, or the building blocks of a better world."
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Consumer Attitudes: how have your food choices changed?Abel & Cole, organic food delivery service, UK
Organic delivery services are nothing new, but the website, service and communication that accompany this London-based company is outstanding. Their new ideas could be used not just for food but the whole retail sector. The company's initiatives like the "Food Waste Manifesto," "Brain Food" delivery services for offices and "The Farmer's Choice" non-profit scheme which raises funds for schools, are all moves in truly new directions.
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Rebranding Africa: the Cheetah generationInventive Africa
Inventions, the evolution of eco-tourism, social reinvention and football. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, to be held in South Africa, will bring a brand new audience to the continent. African businesses, the tourism and technology organizations that are working to build on Africa's strengths and the new generation of entrepreneurial, optimistic, inventive and undaunted young Africans will all be in the spotlight.
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We love... the shape-shifting concept car from BMWBMW Design Group, Germany
BMW recently revealed the GINA Light Visionary Model, a concept car providing exciting developments for tomorrow's mobility and an eye-opener for future visions. GINA explores the parameters of shape-shifting, allowing the car's skin to change shape, stretch and morph, challenging existing principles in conventional design.
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http://www.nesta.org.ukNational Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, UK
NESTA has a "mission to make the UK more innovative". Its website lists their actions as investing in early-stage companies, informing and shaping policy, and delivering practical programmes that inspire others to solve the big challenges of the future. This translates as providing essential support for those who wish to build great companies, encourage collaboration between talented individuals and organisations, and innovate for the public good.
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www.cern.chCERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), Franco–Swiss border near Geneva
Founded in 1954, CERN is a research institute that uses fundamental physics to find out what the universe is made of and how it works. From this research comes incredible innovation - The Grid, for instance, is a spin-off invention from their Large Hadron Collider (a particle accelerator) project. At 10,000 times faster than broadband, it could make the World Wide Web (itself a CERN initiative) obsolete.
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Innovative solutions: PICNIC'07 conferencePICNIC Conference, Amsterdam
This annual conference presents the latest trends at the crossroads of media, technology, entertainment, art and science in Europe, North America and Asia. The event presents awards and develops examples of real innovation such as Qurrent - a system that measures and optimises energy flows. Developer Igor Kluin won the €0.5m PICNIC Green Challenge in 2007, for the most innovative carbon-reducing product or service.
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Future food: ecological restaurantsCalifornia Academy of Sciences, US
This ecological education centre is "exploring, explaining and protecting the natural world". It reopened this year with new restaurants (Academy Café and Moss Room) that reflect a commitment to innovative ideas. The planted "Living Roof" won an award for sustainable architecture, while the Moss Room has a large wall of living moss emerging from an aquarium— the moss derives nutrients from the fish, while cleaning and recycling the aquarium water.
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Focus on BasilEco-luxurious Brazil
"Conspicuous eco-consumption - as opposed to a quieter focus on sustainability - is the way to shape consumer attitudes in Brazil," Oskar Metsavaht, director of the Osklen brand told WGSN and the country is now leading the way globally in how to transform the sustainable into the desirable. "We're not saying to consumers to stop buying, say, Prada bags. Keep buying them, but also buy something else that has new values. This is the definition of new luxury."
