The Crucible – Solve for X
January 2020
“Our team doesn’t typically go to food and beverage shows because that’s where everybody at PepsiCo (and our competitors) are already going. So we go to pharmaceutical shows, we go to semiconductor shows, even automotive shows because we’re looking for ways at perhaps tapping those industries’ technologies or manufacturing capabilities to solve our problems.”
–Austin Kozman, PhD, R&D Director at PepsiCo Technology Ventures
Clayton Christensen, the Harvard Business School professor who coined the term “disruptive innovation” in his seminal 1997 book, The Innovator’s Dilemma, died on Jan. 23 at age 67. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you know of his passing already. His work carries special significance for the Xinova community. I had the honor of meeting him and hearing him speak several times over the years at multiple IRI conferences.
His scholarship influenced a who’s-who list of the world’s most disruptive CEOs, R&D leaders, and innovators, including Steve Jobs and Intel’s Andy Grove. More than ever, Christensen’s thesis on the importance of innovation holds true. Fundamental change will occur in multiple industries this decade.
We at Xinova are excited to meet the challenges posed by disruption. Christensen’s passing comes at the dawn of a new decade, when CEOs and innovators are scanning the horizon for emerging technologies that will change the way things are done. In this newsletter, we collect innovation insights from across the Xinova network into emerging technologies and trends alongside the expert perspectives of leaders at the junction of business, innovation, and R&D.
What are your bold predictions for innovation over the coming decade? Share them with us for the Xinova blog!
–Brad Roberts
Head of Strategic Partnerships
Featured Opportunities
Collagen Bounces Back
Xinova is seeking information on the global consumable-collagen market, which includes but is not limited to collagen-containing drinks.
CLOSING SOON: January 30, 2020
Air-Tight Eco-Friendly
Xinova is seeking new, sustainable materials for a gas barrier in shelf-stable aseptic packaging.
CLOSING SOON: February 3, 2020
Eco-innovation Insights
We’re looking for an expert-opinion article that explores trends in eco-innovation and how leadership can tap into the surprising value of sustainability.
CLOSING SOON: January 31, 2020
Xinova Updates
Bold predictions on the connected future of healthcare innovation
The future of healthcare and health research will leverage IoT, AI, imaging technology, and mobile platforms for distributed at-home care at a lower cost.
Ice911 Research to Begin Testing its Climate Restoration Solution on Sea Ice
New testing will allow Ice911, the nonprofit founded by Xinova innovator, Leslie Field, PhD to measure important climate modeling variables on sea ice.
When delivery is free, will ownership survive?
This is a story about how self-driving cars will, through cheap delivery, change how we interact with our world. Let me say at the outset: I am acutely aware that predicting human behavior is the pinnacle of folly. My goal is not to be 100% right. My goal is to find a new way to think about the problem.
Remembering Clayton Christensen: What’s Your Innovator’s Dilemma?
Clayton Christensen, the Harvard Business School professor who coined the term “disruptive innovation” in his seminal 1997 book, The Innovator’s Dilemma, died on Jan. 23 at age 67. His work carries special significance for the Xinova innovator community.
Featured Innovator
Leading R&D and external innovation: A conversation with Austin Kozman, PhD, R&D Director PepsiCo Technology Ventures (PTV)
In charge of external innovation for PepsiCo, Austin Kozman has developed a system to help steer open innovation projects to successful execution.