Examples of Creating the Future and Innovation Activity

Abstract

In this chapter, I review examples of how the future has been anticipated and, above all, created. I have interviewed people who have views on innovation and who have done it in practice. The first example reviews Philips’ Probes activities, where the examples of what kind of products the future might bring are presented to the public. I am particularly impressed with Philips’ operations especially because they are not afraid to play with anticipation and the future, and even to provoke. Another case concerns the Angry Birds. I interviewed Rovio’s most visible actor, Peter Vesterbacka. He told about how and why the Angry Birds have spread around the world. One of Peter’s significant lessons in terms of innovation activity is that it is worth keeping aims high, even when they seem impossible according to other people.