The purpose of this assignment is to systematically analyze the innovation landscape, which is broadly connected to Artificial Intelligence and / Internet of Things as the given technologies.
The assignment has three parts, in the pre-component you are expected to individually explore the technology space, in the progress component you are expected to reflect on findings to date and next steps, and in the post-component you are expected to report on your individual learning related to the problem your team identified and the given technology. This individual assignment forms the basis for team related group work, discussions and research.
The assignment builds on the Pivot to the Future methodology, which is particularly useful when finding and releasing new sources of trapped value –unlocked by bridging the gap between what is technologically possible and how technologies are being used by society, consumers, industry or enterprise. In order to complete this assignment, please order the course book well in advance of the deadline.
PREPARATORY ASSIGNMENT GUIDANCE:
Task 1: Become acquainted with the Pivot to the Future methodology and its application
Task 2: As a next step, study in detail the assigned technology by searching for insights and trends online, print media, course materials, and perhaps even via personal connections that you think are relevant for the task at hand. As you make progress, base your search on the given methodology by seeking broadly for untapped value in society.
Task 3: Select based on the method and your personal interests the most interesting unit of analysis (society, consumers, industry, or enterprise). Focus in particular where you think the technology is either superior compared to existing solutions when it comes to value generation, or where you think the new technology has the potential to do something different and upending with the given context in mind (e.g. ethical, environmental, or other types of impact).
Remember you can focus broadly on the society, or focus on consumers, industry or enterprise. Avoid coordinating this choice with your team as you want to bring something unique to the mix, rather than having all of you focusing on the exact same scoping at the start.
Task 4: Write all of this down, with clear headings for 1. Introduction, 2. Analysis, 3. Key Findings, and 4. Conclusions and next steps.
Introduction, brief introduction of unit of main analysis (society, consumer, industry, or enterprise) and the layout of the paper
Analysis, design the content and structure of this section based on the Pivot to the future methodology
Key Findings: based on your analysis identify strengths when it comes to innovation and competitive advantages, but also gaps and potential opportunities for doing something different and upending related to the chosen unit of analysis (i.e. society, consumers, industry or enterprise).
Conclusions and next steps, based on your analysis and findings state clearly how you view the ability to create and capture value from current innovation related activities relevant for the unit of analysis. State also clear team specific action items that you think would be needed to explore innovation moving forward.
Format and length: Use Times New Roman or similar font 12 points, 1.5 spacing. The core report should not exceed 3 pages, but you can always extend your analysis by referring to unlimited appendices (links only). This should be a compact and well written report of what you think your team should do which technology, which unit of analysis, which problem, which winning strategy? You can coordinate with team, but emphasize independent material collection and your personal view in particular.
