Services 2020

Facing declining visitors and uncertainty about what to do about it, library administrators in the new town of Almere in the Netherlands did something extraordinary. They redesigned their libraries based on the changing needs and desires of library users and, in 2010, opened the Nieuwe Bibliotheek (New Library), a thriving community hub that looks more like a bookstore than a library. Guided by patron surveys, administrators tossed out traditional methods of library organization, turning to retail design and merchandising for inspiration. They now group books by areas of interest, combining fiction and nonfiction; they display books face-out to catch the eye of browsers; and they train staff members in marketing and customer service techniques. The library is also a Seats2meet (S2M) location where patrons are empowered to help one another in exchange for free, permanent, coworking space, and they utilize the S2M Serendipity Machine to connect library users in real-time. They also have a bustling cafe, an extensive events and music program, a gaming facility, a reading garden and more. The result? The New Library surpassed all expectation about usage with over 100,000 visitors in the first two months. It is now considered one of the most innovative libraries in the world.

Make real time, relevant & unplanned connections

It is essential for everyone to understand what lies ahead, especially during times of crisis like we have experienced recently. This is why, historically, Philips has always had a sincere interest in studying and anticipating what comes next, whether it be in the next quarter or in three decades' time. Perhaps by virtue of the company's specific regional roots and cultural heritage, one of the guiding principles in the approach adopted by Philips' 'explorers of the future' has always been to involve and engage external and independent experts, thinkers and creative leaders in open platforms for dialog and exchange.

"Because of the grand nature of this expedition, not only the launch and landing will draw large audiences. In 2013, Mars One will start the selection of the first crews that will train to be able to go to Mars. Unlike the astronaut selection processes at the space agencies, Mars One will open up this procedure for everyone to see. And not only to watch: after Mars One experts have eliminated unsuitable candidates, the audience will have a say in who will be the first humans on Mars. Mars One will make the selection of the first ambassadors to another planet a democratic process!"

"THOUSANDS of wannabe Martians from Australia have put their hand up for the biggest relocation of a lifetime - from Earth to the Red Planet. More than 2500 Australians have applied for the one-way trip to Mars, which will double as a reality TV show. The Mars One project, which aims to create the first human settlement on the Solar System's second-smallest planet, has received 165,000 applications from astronaut hopefuls from 140 different countries. "We now have a large group of applicants from where we can start our search," Mars One chief medical officer Dr Norbert Kraft said. "Finding the best crews of qualified and compatible individuals is crucial to the success of our mission." Successful applicants will have to say goodbye to Earth forever, with the first crew of four people expected to launch into space for their seven months journey to Mars in 2022."

David Ronfeldt Published on 23 May 2012 This video offers an overview about the TIMN framework: its focus on social evolution (past, present, future), its construction around four cardinal forms of organization (tribes, institutions, markets, networks), its system dynamics, and its future implications.

You gotta love anything that mentions Scientology, UFOs, occultism and Willis Harmon - all in the same post. Check out the highlighted passage

"Welcome to a guide for the strategic manager, who is responsible for innovation."

"On Tuesday 2nd July, we hosted open democracy and legal afficianados David Bovill and Jordan Greenhall, co-founder of DivX Inc. as well as individuals from organisations such as the Quakers, Occupy, People's Assembly and School of Everything, for a discussion focused on Liquid Democracy - a voting process and accompanying software enabling a richer form of dialogue to be embedded in decision-making structures."