While many have written about the development of networks, the notion of communities of practice or production, open innovation, and the influence of globalization, we believe that given the importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in innovation, underlying all of these issues is a much more pervasive, and perhaps more disruptive event – the rising influence of the Digital Native.

In today's global market, companies of all kinds outsource the vast majority of their R&D to stay competitive. But if not managed correctly, outsourcing can negatively impact innovation because the engineers doing the work have no vested interest in maintaining a culture of innovation that a CTO may espouse, or they may try to steal intellectual property. Striking a balance between driving innovation and protecting intellectual property has never been more important. Here, Knowledge Center contributor Jerry Smith explains how companies can both protect valuable intellectual property and drive the critical innovation that sets them apart from the competition.

Last month, these eight strategies and tactics were discussed:

• Use scenarios to plan for an uncertain future
• Growing in a downturn
• Revisit the business plan regularly
• Deepen the customer dialogue
• Engage and support the supply chain
• Invest in your people
• Embrace open innovation approaches
• Implement changes quickly and decisively

In June, we will wrap-up the series of sixteen strategies and tactics to survive and thrive.