Jo Howcroft’s Post

It is difficult to wrap up the last days in Bilbao at the Creativity World Forum 2024, where I had the chance to be invited by the Eusko Jaurlaritza - Gobierno Vasco and the BDCC Basque District of Culture and Creativity to facilitate a Global challenge dealing with new business models for CCIs and cross-fertilisation opportunities with traditional industries. 🗣️The challenge brought together over 100 stakeholders from government, industry, academia and civil society to discuss and debate the obstacles to innovation and cross-fertilisation among industries. This was followed by proposing pathways for change and presenting evidence to support these proposals. ✅ it turned out that as we continue to gravitate towards an increasingly technological and profit-oriented society, we often overlook the importance of knowledge valorisation and forging and fostering healthy collaborations with other industries to address challenges like climate change and social justice. Culture is indeed a significant factor at the center of industry and innovation, acting as both a driver and a reflection of the developments within various sectors and a vital channel through which citizens can comprehend and derive benefits from R&I. A prime example is the newly HE project InteractionSeeds funded by the European Commission which strives to connect 🔬 research and the 🎭 arts to bring 🧠 science closer to citizens and enhance the value of knowledge, making it more accessible and enriching for all. As I look ahead, the insights gained from the Creativity World Forum 2024 underscore the vital need for continued dialogue and action and a reevaluation of our our values when innovating, I am genuinely curious and excited to see how these initiatives will unfold and change the innovation landscape in our regions. Eskerrik asko Bilbao and Eusko Jaurlaritza - Gobierno Vasco, Districts of Creativity Network, Innobasque - Agencia Vasca de la Innovación, KSIgune, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, BDCC Basque District of Culture and Creativity and 3walks for the remarkable organisation.

Visiting Munich not only to drink but also to explore technology with nexxworks and EXPO REAL (Messe München). Just had an exciting time serving as a jury member for the EXPO REAL Impact Awards 2024! I reviewed 12 submissions, but I couldn't help but feel that more focus is needed on initiatives with community or social impact—especially after also missing initiatives on that field at the Brussels Realty event. Many of the submissions were SaaS products solving problems that already have solutions or, frankly, seemed like a solution in search of a problem. One standout for me was Paebbl, which is tackling a major challenge: the use of carbon negative raw materials as we approach our sustainability limits. This is exactly the type of big-picture solution we need. Let's focus on solving the real, large-scale problems—we seem to be putting a lot of effort into the last 20%, while the largest 80% impact - our use of raw materials) still demands our attention. A huge thank you to Dirk Paelinck and the European PropTech Association for organizing the event so efficiently and for shining a light on startups making real impact. 🙌 Backed by leading industry partners and European institutions, the Impact Awards are set to become the benchmark for recognizing meaningful change in the sector. Let's tackle the big challenges together and drive meaningful innovation for a better future! 🌍 #ImpactAwards #PropTech #Innovation #Sustainability #EXPOREAL #CommunityImpact

In times of numerous challenges, how are digital transformation and economic shifts reshaping the real estate industry?   This year's EXPO REAL (Messe München) has tailored the 'Transform & Beyond' area in Hall A3 to focus on AI, smart buildings, and sustainability. With 52 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions, we've crafted a comprehensive program including guided tours starting at stand A3.TB7, stages, and special areas—all designed to address the pressing issues.   And we don't waste any time. On the first day, at EXPO REAL FORUM the conference program kicks off with 'Transformation: Walk the Talk!', featuring an international industry women’s perspective and setting the tone for three days of in-depth discussions on how real changes are being implemented in the real estate industry. More in detail, this will be discussed at the TRANSFORMATION & BEYOND STAGE in Hall A3.   Day 2 shifts our focus to the synergy between traditional real estate sectors and the startup ecosystem, highlighting how embracing innovation can significantly enhance the competitive edge. The comprehensive program is offered especially at the TRANSFORMATION & BEYOND STAGE, the DECARB ARENA and the TECH TALK STAGE, all placed in Hall A3.   Among others, there is the panel “Inside Innovation – 4 examples from successful collaborations between startups & corporates” at the TRANSFORMATION & BEYOND STAGE and the comprehensive program “Remaking Cities for the new world order” at the DECARB ARENA featuring sessions like “Retrofit and Re-Use” and “Healthy Cities” with with the participation of public authorities while the TECH TALK STAGE will feature more than 40 presentations on technological innovations during the 3 days of EXPO REAL.   Join us to navigate these transformative times together.   See you at EXPO REAL!   #EXPOREAL2024 #RealEstate #Innovation #Sustainability #FutureReady

I have to say, #FEI is one of those events that I love (along with the excellent #TMRE) and so if you are tempted by an event this year that focuses on the bit of innovation that gets your products and services loved by people, because you meet people's needs in the best way possible, then I say get yourself over to Boston. Better yet, you can get 15% off, using my VIP Code 'JOIN15' here: https://lnkd.in/g8BZeEuk . #mrx #humanbrands #innovationinsights Informa Connect

What am I looking forward to at IIEX NA in Austin April 17 - 18th? https://lnkd.in/em9B7mpW For those who may be attending IIEX for the first time, IIEX’s origin story dates back over 10 years ago, with the ambition to create an exchange of ideas amongst key stakeholders and emerging talents across the entire insights ecosystem. The goal was to surface the innovations that would keep the industry vibrant and capable of delivering value to all the brands and clients we serve. It is often said that if an innovation emerged in the last decade and became a best practice, you probably saw it first at an IIEX event. What do I look forward to, specifically this year? ·     Great Speakers. As always, the sessions are expertly curated by the Greenbook content team, in themes easy to navigate based on specific areas of interest, or the dynamic speakers talking about them. I am particularly looking forward to hearing from Mark Earls, the Herdmeister, who will share his thoughts on “mental time travel”, and all things social and behavioral. But there are so many others, including not to miss presentations from partners lead by title sponsor The Logit Group, Inc. IIEX NA 2024 includes some familiar faces, many new players making their commercial entrance as well as innovative end clients. Check out sessions on AI, Sample and Data Quality, Digital Transformation, CX/UX and Behavioral Science. ·     2024 Future List honorees. This Greenbook competition annually identifies practitioners with less than 10 years of experience who have distinguished themselves through expertise and individual contributions to help the industry stay strong. Several of the '24 roster are speaking at IIEX; I have the privilege of moderating a fireside chat with two of them: Erik Fraser and Elizabeth Kadrich. Check out all the honorees https://lnkd.in/ehNpN7YZ . ·     The Insights Innovation Competition. This is a live face off in which finalists literally compete for the prestige of being recognized as true insights innovators, a cash prize and consultation services to support growth. Don’t miss the Day One presentations and the crowd-sourced voting to make YOUR selection (only open to live attendees at IIEX) for the winner. Check out the finalists (Bounce Insights, Fairgen, Listen Labs, Orchard, and Woxi)! And be sure to cast your vote! ·     Catching up and Networking. There is a “Networking Made Easy” feature at IIEX so if you are looking for me, Susan Griffin, and/or Suann Griffin (yes there are two of us!), or my good friend Matt Valle, who hosts the Rock N’ Roll Research Podcast, or William Leach, probably one of the leading experts on how to put the principles of behavioral science to work, or other attendees, we will all be easy to spot. And I am dreaming of Food Trucks! I am looking forward to Austin & IIEX, and seeing you there. If you haven’t booked a ticket yet, use my code for a discount! SUSAN30! 

The Bristol Innovators' Group is hosting 5 x online, free-to-attend lunch and learn sessions through March-May 2024. (Register via the link below.) First up, on Tuesday 26th, 12.00-13.00 GMT, Leigh Fairbrother shares steps to reduce the demand for heat, decarbonise, and futureproof your home, through a deep dive into the development of an innovative, award winning technology. We'll be covering: Where do we start, what can we do, and what role can technology and robotics play in that journey?

Want to listen to practical ways to adopt an experimental mindset as a startup? Join my cofounder James Lucas 30th April who is giving a talk about exploring ideas. Get your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/dR98Dzvd #ideavalidation #startupadvice #productmarketfit #experimentalmindset #productvalidation

Join us in the state of the art venue at Dynamic Space for the Sandyford Business District Innovation Summit 2024 and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our community. Together, let’s innovate for a brighter, more sustainable future. 📅 20 and 21 November ⏰ 10am - 3pm 📍 Dynamic Space, Stillorgan Business Park A94 X4P0 The two days will bring together visionary businesses, government leaders, international experts, and academics to craft a clear roadmap for innovation that will guide our District’s growth for the next five years and beyond. This event is supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Lend your expertise to help us create this roadmap. Day 1: Panel Discussions and International “Bench Learning” There will be panel discussions featuring experts from across the globe. You’ll hear about innovations from leading cities in the EU and the US, gaining insights into their successes and challenges. We’ll explore how these lessons can be contextualised and applied to shape the future of Sandyford Business District.   Day 2: Building the Roadmap.   Champion-Led Sessions: For each key theme - circularity, digitisation, mobility, and social innovation - local champions will lead discussions. Using insights from Day 1, they will guide the development of actionable strategies.   Feedback & Validation: Proposed outcomes will be presented for group feedback, ensuring that the strategies we develop for the District are robust, inclusive, and grounded in reality.   Roadmap Development: The collective insights and frameworks created during the summit will be used to design a comprehensive roadmap. This will guide Sandyford Business District’s innovation journey over the next five years.   Register at events@sandyford.ie and play a role in shaping Sandyford Business District’s future. The Sandyford Business District summit is not an event, it’s a collaborative effort to turn our community into one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs. #smartcities #circularity #digitisation

The Creativity World Forum 2024 has left 3 days full of inspiring initiatives, presentations and networking between: +500 people +42 countries +50 speakers Thank you very much to DISCE EU, Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, Theater Artemis, Winwinner, VLAIO - Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship , Alwan wa Awtar and motmo.pro for joining us in person at the event and for your collaborative spirit, growth mindset, and enthusiasm for creating synergies at CWF24. Three main challenges were raised around the AT3: Co-creation of services, local and global markets and access to private capital investment. Within these challenges, several important topics emerged, such as business incubation, internationalization of the CCIs, cooperation, the value of creativity and other lines of financing, which were addressed by working together to promote teamwork and networking. Hence, we also want to thank Pascal Cools, Mirjam Hament, Carles Gómara, Arkaitz Villar and Laura Díez for the hard work they have been doing these last months to make AT3 shine. Eusko Jaurlaritza - Gobierno Vasco  Districts of Creativity Network Innobasque - Agencia Vasca de la Innovación TECNALIA Research & Innovation KSIgune #cwf24 #CreativityWorldForum #euskadi #creativity #governance #innovation #markets #education #research

What an inspiring experience at CES Unveiled in Amsterdam! 🌟 The conversations throughout the conference were truly energizing, diving deep into what constitutes genuine innovation in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. I shared my belief that true breakthroughs arise from the synergy of multidisciplinary teams—melding scientific expertise with artistic creativity (for example). It’s at this vibrant intersection where the most transformative and actionable innovations come to life, enriching our everyday experiences. A key takeaway from our panel was the necessity for innovations to be both technologically advanced and profoundly inspiring. When we gaze into the cosmos and explore ambitious ideas, we often unearth new possibilities that pave the way for monumental advancements in technology. I was privileged to share the stage with remarkable panelists: Hans Nikol, VP of Open Innovation at Signify Bart BECKS, EISMEA Ambassador at the European Innovation Council Constantijn Van Oranje-Nassau, Special Envoy at Techleap Our thought-provoking session was expertly guided by Ivana Nikolik, Director BD EMEA at ⋮IWConnect and a member of the Forbes Business Council. Together, we emphasized the critical need for innovators to stay attuned to market trends and business dynamics. As we develop products or technologies, understanding customer needs and market demands is paramount. Moreover, the chemistry within the team driving the innovation is essential; a unified group prepared for the challenges of development can make all the difference. Lastly, we underscored the importance of selecting the right investors. The value of an investor extends far beyond financial backing; their ability to navigate obstacles and offer strategic guidance is crucial for nurturing successful initiatives. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who engaged in the discussions and contributed their valuable insights! Aliya Grig Evolwe Kosmos Foundation #AliyaGrig #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #Investing #EmergingTech #Amsterdam #CES2024 #CESUNVEILED #CES