Aidan Poon’s Post

I recently posted that Tech Sustainability is a major trend in 2024. But is sustainability in tech just a buzzword? Let's dive deeper. Sustainable practices in the realm of technology are not only crucial for our environment but also have a strong ROI case. Companies that integrate these practices into their operations are seeing reduced costs, increased innovation, and improved brand loyalty among consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility. As leaders and innovators, we must challenge ourselves to go beyond surface-level commitments to sustainability. It’s about making real changes in how we design, produce, and dispose of technology. The question remains: Are you ready to lead this change for a greener future?

Sustainable Innovation GROWS Business Don't take my word for it - Harvard Business Review enough ? see below quotation. Join us today to work on your innovation towards Circularity as a 'whole system & Business opportunity' not just the product. We will be sharing what we can engage with on your business as a group consultancy 'Innovators Circle'' at a great value group rate we can work with you to start to apply Real Circularity in practice.. Open to small/medium businesses (12 month minimum engagement) Fill in our form to apply - here & we will. be presenting our offer today at 6PM UK if you want to join drop me a DM and I will add you to the event. https://lnkd.in/eJcJBxXX With yours truly and Kenneth Alston (who worked on the original cradle to Cradle work) ''Executives behave as though they have to choose between the largely social benefits of developing sustainable products or processes and the financial costs of doing so. But that’s simply not true. We’ve been studying the sustainability initiatives of 30 large corporations for some time. Our research shows that sustainability is a mother lode of organizational and technological innovations that yield both bottom-line and top-line returns. Becoming environment-friendly lowers costs because companies end up reducing the inputs they use. In addition, the process generates additional revenues from better products or enables companies to create new businesses. In fact, because those are the goals of corporate innovation, we find that smart companies now treat sustainability as innovation’s new frontier.'' Harvard Business Review https://lnkd.in/ewVuRv_5

Many tech companies have focused their sustainability efforts primarily on environmental impacts, despite the fact that their activities often have a major impact on people and society. Sofigate's Anna de Torres and Marika Mertala argue that sustainability work should focus more on people. #sustainability #socialresponsibility #environmentalresponsibility #sustainablebusiness #businesstechnology

When you hear the word innovation, what comes to mind? Is it the latest tech gadget or a breakthrough in AI? We tend to think of innovation as something shiny and new in the world of technology. But here’s a question: What if innovation wasn’t just about technology? In the realm of sustainability, this narrow view could hold us back. While technological advancements—like renewable energy or circular economies—are critical, we also need to rethink how we innovate socially and perceptually. At the Savannah College of Art and Design, they’ve created a model that explores different forms of innovation alongside the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Let’s break it down. Technological innovation is the “what”—from energy efficiency to non-toxic materials, it's the tools we use to shape a more sustainable future. But here’s the catch: If we only focus on technology, we might miss the bigger picture. Enter social innovation—the “how.” It’s about involving communities in the process, embracing participatory design, and ensuring that solutions benefit everyone, not just a select few. Think of it as co-creating solutions with those affected, making real, lasting change possible at the grassroots level. Then there’s perceptual innovation—the “why.” This form of innovation challenges the status quo, asking us to rethink our deeply held beliefs and assumptions about sustainability. It’s the bridge between technology and social change, and perhaps the most powerful of all. As Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Shifting perspectives may just unlock solutions that have been in front of us all along. Sustainability isn’t about one type of innovation; it’s about weaving together different approaches. When we align technology with social and perceptual change, we create a system where each part supports the whole. That’s when real, lasting impact happens. What type of innovation are you driving in your work? Maybe it’s time to think beyond technology and start transforming the “how” and “why” behind it all.

From “Help, how can we integrate all these ESG aspects?” to “Wow, this is so much fun, I never thought I was creative!” Sustainability innovation can sometimes be perceived as a daunting task, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. 💬“Should we first get our numbers right before doing this?” “Is there an easier way, like, just offsetting?” “We are not known for our creativity!” Those are typical concepts I hear at the beginning of sustainability workshops. 💡Then people get more creative than they ever thought they could be. Just because there is a concept in place that makes it easy for them. 💬 And after the workshops, the comments are typically: “Wow, this was fun!”, “Great that we have a plan now!” or “”Okay, let’s test that” Broken down into manageable parts and a clear concept with clear goals, sustainability innovation will be a fun way forward for all involved. These are my typical steps to consider: 1️⃣ Analysis of risks and opportunities to identify where to start (Challenge to solve) 2️⃣ Getting together a diverse team to make change happen and involve experts 3️⃣ Collaborative innovation through workshop and project phases (Innovation design process) 4️⃣ Designing the confidence roadmap to make change happen (Transformation phase) 5️⃣ Ongoing check-ups to monitor progress and outcomes (Monitoring and adapting) As each company is different, the steps need to be tailored to these needs, of course. Have you had exciting innovation experiences so far?

Sustainability & Digital Tools: Harnessing Tech for Impact Sustainability is no longer a buzzword, it's mandatory. To achieve real impact, look to digital tools. Digital tech turns sustainability from concept to actionable insight. It's about using big data for environmental tracking, AI for EU Taxonomy matching or qualify the carbon emission input data. But it's not merely tech for tech's sake, it's about driving positive change. Start by evaluating your sustainability efforts and identifying areas digital tools can boost. Collaborate with tech experts (contact me 💡) and be open to innovation. Remember: Incorporating sustainability isn't just good practice–it's our duty for your business model and to the planet. Use digital tech wisely to maximize impact for a sustainable future. Stay driven. Stay tech-savvy. Stay impactful.

THE DEEP TECH DIFFERENCE TOWARD ACHIEVEMENT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMIES AND A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. Tech innovation comes in two varieties: “deep tech” (adopting advanced new technologies such as AI-powered molecular recycling) and “shallow tech” (small incremental changes such as incremental improvements in the sorting of waste). Shallow tech innovations are are easy to do, and either competitors are already doing those things or they are things that competitors can easily copy. Deep tech innovations are new, hard to do, and have the potential to be disruptive in the marketplace. “Deep technology was impossible yesterday, hardly feasible today, and may soon become so pervasive and influential that life without it will be hard to remember. The future likely belongs to companies that not only follow Deep Tech but invest in its development and drive adoption by engaging in ecosystems, forcing competitors to play a losing catch-up strategy” (Joshua Siegel, assistant professor at Michigan State University and François Candelon, senior partner at BCG). Deep tech innovation takes shape across four moments of truth that occur in parallel, each posing a critical question: 1. Frame the Paradigm. Could reality be different? Could we sort molecules instead of waste, could we mine all waste to produce the amount of secondary raw materials required for circular economies? 2. Forge the Theory. Is there a way to develop a solution? Can molecular-level, energy induced differences in vibration and collision frequency be used to selectively depolymerise all wastes into secondary raw materials? 3. Take the First Step. Can we build the solution today? Can AI-powered molecular and microwave assisted molecular recycling allow to produce the amount of secondary raw materials we need for circular food grade packaging for all - including difficult to recycle - materials? 4. Change the Reality. What must happen for the solution to become the new normal? What are the collaborative models across the value chain to make it happen? What are the business model changes required? Our "circular packaging demonstrator" is designed to probe each of these questions with the collective scientific, engineering, sustainability and business skills and experience of all partners. For deep tech ventures, which are often based on applying a technological breakthrough to solve a problem, finding the right business framework can be a major challenge. Many struggle to identify a compelling value proposition through a clear reimagination of value chains and business models. Testing different value chains and business models in such a "minimum viable collaboration model" is a way to overcome this challenge. Together, we are pioneering a sustainable future! #circulareconomy #chemicalrecycling #molecularrecycling #innovation Futury Melissa Ott Annika Schoofs Bastian Gösken Klaus Skrodolies Bernd Büsing Thomas Schmitt Max Wolfmaier Marina Staltmeier Nora Haman Jonas Pozorski

In the race for innovation, are you sacrificing sustainability? Think again. Innovation is the lifeblood of progress. It drives businesses forward, ushering in new ideas and breakthroughs. But what happens when we push the pedal too hard? Are we overlooking the longterm impact? Here’s why sustainability must be woven into your innovation strategy: → Shortterm gains, longterm losses: Focusing solely on rapid innovation can lead to unsustainable practices. This might give you a quick win, but at what cost? Environmental degradation? Depleted resources? → Consumer expectations: Today’s consumers are more informed and conscious. They prefer brands that prioritise sustainability. Neglecting this can alienate a significant portion of your market. → Regulatory risks: Governments worldwide are tightening regulations around sustainability. Ignoring these can result in hefty fines and legal challenges. So, how can you innovate sustainably? Assess your impact: Begin by understanding the environmental and social impact of your innovations. Use metrics and tools to measure this accurately. Integrate sustainability into your R&D: Make sustainability a core component of your research and development processes. This ensures that new products and services are designed with longterm viability in mind. Collaborate: Partner with organisations and experts in sustainability. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate complex challenges. Educate your team: Ensure that your team understands the importance of sustainability. Provide training and resources to help them incorporate sustainable practices into their work. Communicate transparently: Share your sustainability efforts with your stakeholders. This builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to responsible innovation. Remember, innovation and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. They can, and should, go hand in hand. By integrating sustainability into your innovation strategy, you not only contribute to a better world but also ensure the longterm success of your business. So, are you ready to innovate sustainably? Let’s make a difference together.

Recently I was asking myself, “Where is innovation needed most?” I came across a list that is by and large exhaustive that works for me and I think would work for you as well. In 2015, the United Nations adopted a set of seventeen goals which, when (and if) met, will create a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. If you want to exercise your curiosity and engage your creativity to contribute, these urgent goals will inspire you to think of new ideas in almost every field of human endeavour. Scan the list to find a topic that intrigues you, then dig down for more details by searching for Sustainable Development Goals on Wikipedia. 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all 8. Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development 15. Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Did you find something that speaks to you? I hope you did.

Last year I published this article talking about how we can weave sustainability into the innovation process. I think it is more relevant now than ever - go check it out! https://lnkd.in/gmEr9wVC