Recently, Sopheon acquired Alignent, a provider of advanced product and technology roadmapping software that helps complex global companies improve their strategic innovation planning processes. With the acquisition of Alignent, Sopheon's solutions now offer the industry's only end-to-end strategic planning system.

Larry Huston was vice president of knowledge and innovation for many years at Procter & Gamble. During that time, he was the architect of its Connect Develop program, the creator of P&G's Brand Bootcamp operation, and innovation leader for the company's global fabric and homecare business, among other initiatives. He is now managing partner of 4INNO, and recently joined Wharton's Mack Center for Technological Innovation as a senior fellow. Knowledge@Wharton asked Huston to talk about innovation and its role in the global economy.