The FastCompany publication identified some 50 companies in the world that are known for innovation, ranging from Google to Philips. Selected companies and some of their innovations are shown in mindmap in Figure 1-7. We will discuss two of those companies.
Google Illustration Google is probably best known for Google search, the most widely used search engine on the World Wide Web. But there are many more recent and lesser known innovations. Google Glass is a wearable computer with a display that is worn like a pair of eyeglasses. It displays information similar to the smartphone and can communicate with the Internet. Then, there is the autonomous car or self-driving car which drove 500,000 miles without an accident. The project involves some 10 cars from Toyota, Audi, and Lexus. Chrome OS uses a Linux-based operating system to work especially with Web applications. This operating system is used for low-cost computers by Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other companies. YouTube is a mobile-friendly program that allows individuals to upload content on the video-sharing website. Street View allows a panoramic view in Google Maps and Google Earth.
The viewer can see, for example, many streets and buildings in cities around the world. There are many other Google innovations, some of which you may have been using such as Gmail, Calendar, Google Maps, Picasa, Google Images, Google News, Google Drive, and others. Try some of them on the Web.
Unique Identification Authority of India Another innovation with great impact on the people in India is the government- backed Unique Identification Authority of India (UID)
that can be verified online. Of the 1.2 billion people, only few have a driver’s license. The UID has the potential of reducing corruption and facilitating, for example, the wage payments of government workers. Without the ID, the payment went through several persons often requiring a bribe. Under the new system, the people complete a form at the UID enrollment center where a fingerprint is taken. With a 12-digit ID number, the persons can connect to their bank account. At a UID business, a fingerprint identifies the person and cash is handed out. This new process deletes the many middle persons who often expect a bribe before the cash gets to the recipients.
Innovations are occurring around the world. The potential of increased productivity with lower cost, improved quality, and speedy project completion can hardly be imagined. This is why this book now includes a special focus on innovation.
Questions
1. Select any company shown in the mindmap Figure 1-7 and discuss the impact of the innovation as well as some limitations.
2. Select two innovations by Google, including some not listed in the mindmap, and discuss the potential impact locally or globally.
3. Discuss the advantages and limitations of the UID system in India.
4. Interview two persons in India who has used the UID system and ask for their experiences.