Game Theory and the Power of Innovating as an Industry
As published in
The recent passing of John Forbes Nash made me wonder how his ingenious game theory can be applied to technology innovation.
Very simply put, Nash’s theory of equilibrium puts forth that outcomes are more attainable for all parties when they work cooperatively toward a goal rather than against each other in isolation. Knowing each other’s mindset and working together gives each party a better chance at achieving his or her objective than working on their own.
This theory has been used to analyze everything from wars and sports to evolutionary biology and games of skill.
I think it applies as well to technology innovation, especially in today’s digital era of the Internet of Everything – the connection of people, processes, data, and things.
Of course, every business wants to beat the competition and win the big prize. However, when it comes to the Internet of Everything, the market opportunity of $19 trillion is so vast and complex that no single company can win it all by itself.
It takes a community of like-minded technology suppliers, customers, partners, incubators, startups, entrepreneurs, and developers all innovating together. The power of industry-wide cooperation cannot be overestimated. Two recent events provide classic examples.
Last month, the Internet of Things World Forum Steering Committee, representing thought leaders from businesses, universities, cities, and governments worldwide, decided to bring back the second annual Innovation Grand Challenge, which will culminate with award ceremonies at the end of this year in Dubai. Although its members may have differing views on many topics, together they realized the importance of promoting an international competition to accelerate innovations for the betterment of all.
Last year’s Grand Challenge winners, selected from more than 1,000 entries in 100 countries, already have gained market traction for themselves as well as for their customers and partners, who are benefitting from fresh IoT-related starter kits, middleware, developer tools, industry solutions and much more. This collaborative competition helps advance technology innovations for the Internet of Things.
This week, at Cisco Live! San Diego, we are hosting a network, engineers, IT managers, startups, and ninja developers worldwide to converge, learn and have some competitive fun together at the DevNet Zone. Hackathons, learning labs, theater sessions, and workshops are all part of the atmosphere created to cultivate innovation.
We introduced DevNet Zones at Cisco Live! events one year ago, and the results since then have been truly amazing. Rapid prototyping, applications, and platform advances have been developed literally overnight many times, again validating the power and speed of working together toward common goals as an industry.
What are your ideas on how companies can leverage game theory to innovate outside their four walls?
This article originally appeared on Cisco Blogs on June 9, 2015
.png)
What Alex Can Do For You
Developed and led AI and Innovation strategy for multiple Fortune 100 companies, driving double-digit revenue growth.
Over 20 years of hands-on experience driving transformative business and technology solutions for global brands like Dell, Amgen, IBM, Pfizer, and Cisco.
Recognized by Forbes as “One of the World’s Top Experts on Innovation” and named a “Top AI Keynote Speaker to Watch.”
Frequent contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, sharing actionable insights on AI strategy, the future of work, and innovation.
What sets Alex apart from other top AI speakers and innovation experts?
With AI and innovation elevated to buzzwords, there are plenty of speakers in this space. While many offer insightful keynotes, few can bring the depth of understanding, hands-on experience, and diverse viewpoints that Alex can. Alex doesn’t just talk about AI and innovation. He’s led it at Dell, Pfizer, and Cisco. He’s sat across from C-Suite execs to build global innovation plans. And he’s resonated with audiences at Google, AWS, Disney, Coca Cola, and dozens of other companies with keynotes tailored to their unique AI opportunities. A frequent contributor to Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, Alex has been identified as a Top AI Voice on LinkedIn. He is also the author of a Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Fearless Innovation. Alex’s style is personable, approachable, and human. It’s never caught up in techspeak, or jargon so he resonates with any audience. Learn more about what sets Alex apart. Get in touch.
How does Alex customize keynotes and workshops?
No two organizations’ AI or innovation opportunities, or challenges, are the same. So canned keynotes or one-size-fits-all workshops just won’t do. Instead, Alex uses AI and data to tailor his engagements with available pre-event surveys. Analyzing responses, Alex customizes his content to address key needs and pain points, ensuring his message is meaningful. Speaking with leadership and other event stakeholders, Alex further customizes the content to ensure resonance and relevance, engaging audiences. Add it all up and you have keynotes and workshops that feel like they’ve been created for you—because they were. Learn more about Alex’s methodology. Get in touch.
What events and audiences are right for Alex?
With so much experience leading large-scale innovation initiatives, Alex is able to reach and resonate with any audience, no matter their knowledge level, industry, culture, or department. Captivating audiences from a live stage, or a virtual event, Alex is a fixture at C-Suite summits, innovation conferences, policy talks, offsites, and employee all hands meetings, plus governmental and academia events. An audience looking for fresh perspectives, real solutions, and custom content will find Alex’s keynotes engaging and actionable with ideas they can start applying right away. Curious about Alex’s recommendations for your event? Get in touch.
What companies and organizations have worked with Alex?
Alex’s roster of past clients, keynote engagements, and employers reads like a Wikipedia entry of the world’s most innovative, respected organizations. Disney, Coca Cola, ISO, AWS, Google, LEGO, CAT, IBM, Cisco, Dell, and dozens of other organizations have benefited from Alex’s keynotes, workshops, and strategic advisory services. As the former Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, leader of global Innovation Centers and Smart City programs in 7 countries, and creator of innovation tracks for 3 Olympics, Alex’s real-world experience magnifies his impact upon any organization he partners with. Additionally, Alex has worked hands-on with governments, industry groups,startups and scaleups, plus large academic institutions, like the University of Delaware and The University of California, impacting 300,000+ students and thousands of faculty.
What topics does Alex Goryachev cover in keynotes and workshops?
While every keynote or workshop is customized to an event or audience, Alex is often requested by clients to bring a fresh perspective and real-world expertise on topics, including: AI’s impact on work and education Innovation in the age of AI Building buy-in and reducing hesitancy towards AI Policy and ethics related to AI C-Suite and leadership insights on AI Employee engagement in innovation The impact of AI on society Use cases, solutions, and strategies for AI and innovation Innovation culture and proven frameworks Reskilling and workforce preparedness Education and academia policy Government AI policy and legislation For additional topic ideas and recommendations for your event, get in touch.
Turn your next event into AI and innovation action.
These aren’t just better ways to use ChatGPT, or create short-term buzz. This is what the most influential organizations on earth use to shape the future.
