Some thots for Sunday. Each person has their own definition, *From a developed country's view* : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NK0WR2GtFs . I like the comments by the Marie Quinn, EU Commissioner because she hit the nail on the head and so did Larry Hurst, IBM. Plenty of words on Govt Policies. *From Africa's view point* : Re-cycling entreprenuers : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BAm99UKn7w . ( BTW, those garbage is a symbolic representation of anything-dealerships, vendorships, wheeler dealers etc ) Rgds.
@Aki, I wonder whats your take on free energy like this<http://ncbookz.blogspot.com/> and many, many others kept underground from the evils of this world<http://www.handpen.com/Bio/patents.htm>. of late i've been reading a lot on HHO production and i can't stop wondering if anyone (at least!) in this list has done or seen anyone do these stuff on their vehicles or for home electricity production. -- On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 8:59 AM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Some thots for Sunday.
Each person has their own definition,
*From a developed country's view* : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NK0WR2GtFs . I like the comments by the Marie Quinn, EU Commissioner because she hit the nail on the head and so did Larry Hurst, IBM. Plenty of words on Govt Policies.
*From Africa's view point* : Re-cycling entreprenuers : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BAm99UKn7w . ( BTW, those garbage is a symbolic representation of anything-dealerships, vendorships, wheeler dealers etc )
Rgds.
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
@gisho HHO is a half truth. The half that is true is that HHO wll burn and run smoothly in your car, the half that is not true is that it will improve efficiency because of one simple law. The first law of thermodynamics. Simply put, HHO is a gas you can generate from electrolysis, however, the net energy consumed compared to the net energy contained in HHO are skewed against HHO, it means you spend more energy making HHO than you can get from burning it. Add the fact that most Internal Combustion engines are hardly 25% efficient and you have someone telling you youll somehow recover that energy mysteriously.... My advise, use a turbo on a smaller engine, or try to recover energy from the waste heat but not some fancy uncorroborated theories... On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 11:18 AM, gisho <gichuhie@gmail.com> wrote:
@Aki, I wonder whats your take on free energy like this<http://ncbookz.blogspot.com/> and many, many others kept underground from the evils of this world<http://www.handpen.com/Bio/patents.htm>. of late i've been reading a lot on HHO production and i can't stop wondering if anyone (at least!) in this list has done or seen anyone do these stuff on their vehicles or for home electricity production.
--
On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 8:59 AM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Some thots for Sunday.
Each person has their own definition,
*From a developed country's view* : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NK0WR2GtFs . I like the comments by the Marie Quinn, EU Commissioner because she hit the nail on the head and so did Larry Hurst, IBM. Plenty of words on Govt Policies.
*From Africa's view point* : Re-cycling entreprenuers : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BAm99UKn7w . ( BTW, those garbage is a symbolic representation of anything-dealerships, vendorships, wheeler dealers etc )
Rgds.
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- *“The twentieth century has been characterized by three developments of great political importance: the growth of democracy, the growth of corporate power, and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy”* ~ Alex Carey ~ Tel No: 0x2af23696
@Gisho, thanks. Even before we go too far into patents and such, or whether we have personally taken any steps to self innovate and give hope to developing govts as they would be too happy to see the private/enterprise sector take it upon themselves to make the changes without even developing the policies and environments. Developing govts are the cause of poverty, misery and economic slide. I came across the Innovation clip today and really liked most of the comments from that EU gathering, says that they too are thinking on the same levels just like some of us on this list, so we are not alone. I can so relate to what was being said. I've never heard of any developing govts discuss such innovative topics except that of how much they can sell off to other countries and create enterprise. So my take now is this: *When it comes to innovation, developing Govts must lead the way first and set examples of how its done. We are waiting and following.* Rgds. On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 11:18 AM, gisho <gichuhie@gmail.com> wrote:
@Aki, I wonder whats your take on free energy like this<http://ncbookz.blogspot.com/> and many, many others kept underground from the evils of this world<http://www.handpen.com/Bio/patents.htm>. of late i've been reading a lot on HHO production and i can't stop wondering if anyone (at least!) in this list has done or seen anyone do these stuff on their vehicles or for home electricity production.
--
@Aki, well, you can point fingers to the govt but somehow in a country like .ke we are all to blame (unless you convince me that elections in the country are just plain illusions in my head). people get what they want period. and thats why i gave up on politics. Honestly, am no longer moved by anyone saying that they are dying of hunger (for how long are they waiting to solve their problems, 1,000 yrs? 1,000,000 yrs?) i hope i could help someone die faster just to solve their temporary problem permanently. such is my stand but all is not lost. there are some honorable guys in the ICT sector really giving their best in comparison to the majority who are just making or protecting their wealth. Maybe its only me who has this view but most Kenyans don't care [i was about to but very bad words here], if you look around you'll see. back to the topic: i see myself trying this stuff sometime in the near future<http://www.energeticforum.com/renewable-energy/7040-how-turn-plastic-waste-into-diesel-fuel-cheaply.html>. I know its not any innovation at all but it i can save some bucks to do other things. <rant> maybe i can start another topic about UFO. I can't stop thinking of how those little guys have advanced in energy production/use. their ability to defy gravity, find us (earth) and go back (even sometimes unnoticed) taking into consideration from around 1960s we have been searching for other life in the universe (and found NONE so far). i feel like am missing a lot of info on that though. BTW, is it that there are no UFO sightings in Africa or we do not look up in the sky or could it be when anyone see something we attribute it to the developed. i think the latter is true since when i was a kid i always thought chemtrails [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemtrail_conspiracy_theory] were some sought of govt weather related stuff until today. i used to see them alot between 1990 - 1998. am i the the only one? (now this is getting weird) <endrant> #justmyopinion -- On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 3:19 PM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
@Gisho, thanks. Even before we go too far into patents and such, or whether we have personally taken any steps to self innovate and give hope to developing govts as they would be too happy to see the private/enterprise sector take it upon themselves to make the changes without even developing the policies and environments. Developing govts are the cause of poverty, misery and economic slide. I came across the Innovation clip today and really liked most of the comments from that EU gathering, says that they too are thinking on the same levels just like some of us on this list, so we are not alone. I can so relate to what was being said.
I've never heard of any developing govts discuss such innovative topics except that of how much they can sell off to other countries and create enterprise. So my take now is this: *When it comes to innovation, developing Govts must lead the way first and set examples of how its done. We are waiting and following.*
Rgds.
On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 11:18 AM, gisho <gichuhie@gmail.com> wrote:
@Aki, I wonder whats your take on free energy like this<http://ncbookz.blogspot.com/> and many, many others kept underground from the evils of this world<http://www.handpen.com/Bio/patents.htm>. of late i've been reading a lot on HHO production and i can't stop wondering if anyone (at least!) in this list has done or seen anyone do these stuff on their vehicles or for home electricity production.
--
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
@Gisho, please know that 99% of the blame lies with developing countries govts, not with kenyans or citizens in other african countries. Where the basis of an economy is to collect taxes on 99% of imports ( leading to* *encouraging importation policies which sometimes results in innovative theft and fraud ) as a country developer, you can guess how badly long term effects will be. What drives corruption? Because the system of entreprenuerships and shortcuts. I'll leave this part for the economists on this list as am not expert. Good luck with your innovation and hope it serves you well. :-) On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 5:12 PM, gisho <gichuhie@gmail.com> wrote:
@Aki, well, you can point fingers to the govt but somehow in a country like .ke we are all to blame (unless you convince me that elections in the country are just plain illusions in my head). people get what they want period. and thats why i gave up on politics. Honestly, am no longer moved by anyone saying that they are dying of hunger (for how long are they waiting to solve their problems, 1,000 yrs? 1,000,000 yrs?) i hope i could help someone die faster just to solve their temporary problem permanently. such is my stand but all is not lost. there are some honorable guys in the ICT sector really giving their best in comparison to the majority who are just making or protecting their wealth. Maybe its only me who has this view but most Kenyans don't care [i was about to but very bad words here], if you look around you'll see.
back to the topic: i see myself trying this stuff sometime in the near future<http://www.energeticforum.com/renewable-energy/7040-how-turn-plastic-waste-into-diesel-fuel-cheaply.html>. I know its not any innovation at all but it i can save some bucks to do other things.
<rant> maybe i can start another topic about UFO. I can't stop thinking of how those little guys have advanced in energy production/use. their ability to defy gravity, find us (earth) and go back (even sometimes unnoticed) taking into consideration from around 1960s we have been searching for other life in the universe (and found NONE so far). i feel like am missing a lot of info on that though. BTW, is it that there are no UFO sightings in Africa or we do not look up in the sky or could it be when anyone see something we attribute it to the developed. i think the latter is true since when i was a kid i always thought chemtrails [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemtrail_conspiracy_theory] were some sought of govt weather related stuff until today. i used to see them alot between 1990 - 1998. am i the the only one? (now this is getting weird) <endrant>
#justmyopinion --
Just had a more in-depth look into the TED thing. Here is the TED slogan : TED's mission of "Ideas Worth Spreading" now reaches far beyond the yearly conferences, encompassing a variety of projects and initiatives that seek to leverage the power of ideas to change the world. Really, the power of ideas to change the world? Amazing stuff BUT where? *TED AFRICA 2007 : THE NEXT CHAPTER., ( NOW ITS 2011, updates please )* - Anyone have updates of TED and contributors who have brought significant policy changes on innovation and ideas to Africa since 2007 where the impact of these contributions has been a moving factor of developmeny?. Please list them here and educate those of us who don't seem to get the picture. a) b) c) d)
Aki, You have missed the point, we are discussing the Platform rather than the content which is what I wanted to emphasize. What I love about the presentation is the fact that ideas and innovation are seldom "Eureka" moments rather many people chipping into an idea until a final product is arrived at which we call innovation. That was your question wasn't it? I also differ with you that innovation requires government/policy intervention, policy and legislation trails innovation 100% of the time. Let's think about our local examples, Growth of mobile telephony, MPESA, to mention a few. In actual fact policy curtails innovation, and should come as late in the process as possible. I also tend to think that most innovations hardly reach the public domain, since they focus on meeting people's needs and not publicity. My thoughts, by the way welcome back. Kiania D. PS. I highly recommend 100 greatest discoveries from Science, medicine, physics to chemistry by Bill Nye. Every family ought to have this in their collection. http://science.discovery.com/convergence/100discoveries/hostbio/billnye.html On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 10:12 PM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Just had a more in-depth look into the TED thing.
Here is the TED slogan :
TED's mission of "Ideas Worth Spreading" now reaches far beyond the yearly conferences, encompassing a variety of projects and initiatives that seek to leverage the power of ideas to change the world.
Really, the power of ideas to change the world? Amazing stuff BUT where?
TED AFRICA 2007 : THE NEXT CHAPTER., ( NOW ITS 2011, updates please )
- Anyone have updates of TED and contributors who have brought significant policy changes on innovation and ideas to Africa since 2007 where the impact of these contributions has been a moving factor of developmeny?. Please list them here and educate those of us who don't seem to get the picture.
a) b) c) d)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- [Asentric Consulting Ltd] "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR
@David, Asante. Did you know that Equity had already developed an Mpesa model 4 years before Mpesa come into being but were shut out by the CBK? In the Pivot25 feed, this was mentioned by one of the panel. Do you also know that there is some proposal by IBM doing rounds on how to address the traffic situation, which is no different than what was discussed on this list almost 3 years ago? I read the IBM traffic story somewhere but cannot find the link. As for TEDs, imho, they have no place in developing countries as they will never amount to much. TED really is a marketing platform in such countries, not real drivers of significant innovative development. Simply because there are no govt policies to match the need and drive for innovation. Please listen very carefully to the EU Innovation meet video, these are not TED individuals trying to tell others what innovation is but policy thinkers/makers defining it for themselves to meet the decline of the EU in the future. No doubt that the private sector will innovate to survive competion, but will never innovate enough to radically change the business or commercial environment. Without any doubts, Govt is the main driving factor in innovation. Ask yourself, what made Lockheed Martin and then see why it is important for us to own the process and development of any govt projects? Because innovation will be born at the core of the process. some thots. :-)
http://www.overunity.com/index.php?topic=9482.0 (pole I hav little time to shorten url) If it helps. There's nothing that comes free, even the air can't be used in its free state. Peter On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:32 AM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
@David, Asante.
Did you know that Equity had already developed an Mpesa model 4 years before Mpesa come into being but were shut out by the CBK? In the Pivot25 feed, this was mentioned by one of the panel. Do you also know that there is some proposal by IBM doing rounds on how to address the traffic situation, which is no different than what was discussed on this list almost 3 years ago? I read the IBM traffic story somewhere but cannot find the link.
Aki, In the EU video the whole notion of innovation as 'turning ideas into money' is wrong. There are plenty of innovations that don't have direct monetary value but greatly change the way people work, saving time and effort. Even the EU can't tell Africa what innovation is or what they ought to do, our greatest innovations must be in the largest areas of need ... food, jobs for all and dealing with disease. We need to localize our solutions, I am very encouraged to see people in Tharaka and Gatanga tapping into local rivers/streams to generate electricity. Is that innovation? TED issues aside, government has a role and in the case of Lockheed Martin, they were contracted to build defense systems during cold war and could not trust any other company outside the US. Again if you know everything you produce will be taken up by your one and only customer (govt of the US) how much innovation is there? You are approaching this from a very academic angle, innovators don't need permission or policy from government to come up with new or improved stuff they just do. Even more thoughts Kiania D. On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:32 AM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
@David, Asante.
Did you know that Equity had already developed an Mpesa model 4 years before Mpesa come into being but were shut out by the CBK? In the Pivot25 feed, this was mentioned by one of the panel. Do you also know that there is some proposal by IBM doing rounds on how to address the traffic situation, which is no different than what was discussed on this list almost 3 years ago? I read the IBM traffic story somewhere but cannot find the link.
As for TEDs, imho, they have no place in developing countries as they will never amount to much. TED really is a marketing platform in such countries, not real drivers of significant innovative development. Simply because there are no govt policies to match the need and drive for innovation. Please listen very carefully to the EU Innovation meet video, these are not TED individuals trying to tell others what innovation is but policy thinkers/makers defining it for themselves to meet the decline of the EU in the future.
No doubt that the private sector will innovate to survive competion, but will never innovate enough to radically change the business or commercial environment. Without any doubts, Govt is the main driving factor in innovation. Ask yourself, what made Lockheed Martin and then see why it is important for us to own the process and development of any govt projects? Because innovation will be born at the core of the process.
some thots. :-)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- [Asentric Consulting Ltd] "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR
@David, pls find my amatuer comments inline. :-) On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd < kianiadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Aki,
In the EU video the whole notion of innovation as 'turning ideas into money' is wrong. There are plenty of innovations that don't have direct monetary value but greatly change the way people work, saving time and effort.
Absolutely agree with you, and also add that level of creativity can only come when people have enough to sustain a basic lifestyle. That failed economic polices are the reason that most in developing countries will only innovate pegged to financial returns. They have no other options.
Even the EU can't tell Africa what innovation is or what they ought to do, our greatest innovations must be in the largest areas of need ... food, jobs for all and dealing with disease. We need to localize our solutions, I am very encouraged to see people in Tharaka and Gatanga tapping into local rivers/streams to generate electricity. Is that innovation?
Fully agreed on this and that the EU was an example, and thus the need for local govts to set examples of innovation. For those who self powered using rivers etc are only doing it at a very local level, and that power generated does not contribute to the national grid except fix a local problem. When govt projects that affect National Interests, growth and job creations, then it becomes very different.
TED issues aside, government has a role and in the case of Lockheed Martin, they were contracted to build defense systems during cold war and could not trust any other company outside the US.
Basically developing govts need to understand that we are at war with anything that seeks to replicate creativity and innovation. And this war can only suceed if the right polices are in place. With more than 40 years of independence across the continent, we should have by now had parallel programs that look at saving on literally billions lost through foreign exchange as a start.
Again if you know everything you produce will be taken up by your one and only customer (govt of the US) how much innovation is there? You are approaching this from a very academic angle, innovators don't need permission or policy from government to come up with new or improved stuff they just do.
- The US govt had very specifc requirements for what armaments and technologies were needed, thus the innovation was not limited. How much of what we do today, especially in electronic communications, is derived from the space industry. You name it, and its all there. From atomic clocks, vsat systems to long range radios. And all these led to formations of companies that could deliver on requirements and finally leading to the consumer market. Listen to what the Lady EU commission said about Research to Retail in the EU clip.She is 100% spot on and know what she is talking about. To really help you understand the problem, please consider this: The winner at Pivot25 was MedAfrica, which had a proper concept and rollout. Now they need *money* to make the innovation work. What should they do to grow and make a significant impact ? Wait 12-24months in the hope of VC funding or dig into their own pockets to sustain an innovative idea until success? Rgds. :-)
Hello All, Innovation ?? I will agree with all of you, in the Kenyan perspective most of us have given up, first coz the policy makers are still in a 'slave mode' in this mode you were raised 'poor', most of us were and if not poverty was all over, and now you have 'cheo', a good job and so the only way to ensure you do not go back to poverty is to steal as much wealth and thus make sure all your kids do not grow up to be poor, or you are in a comfort zone where you can afford stuff and your kids will of-course go to nice schools hence you are assured they will be fine. When I say poor those of us who have been in abroad know what am talking about, systems that work. This mentality is what is killing us, when you and I get to a point where you can afford most things including health abroad then that's the end. This is the reason no one cares if we have hunger in the country, you can afford Petrol at 130 KSH !!! so how about unga, so solution to this import Maize ... We now have some policy that will take some time to work, Irrigation, but again who is to implement this, the guy in Turkana ?? NO he has no money... So are we innovative? maybe we are, but we are in the comfort zone ( the ones who should ) and the others are too poor. The other is poor policy, take the example of the traffic issue, do we really need IBM to do this?? nope we could I bet any University tech student can do this, Mix Computer science students to handle the programming part, Electrical eng to handle the electronics and signaling, Mech for structural etc I mean this is what they do in those EU countries, for 'small' projects.. but think about it you are the Mayor,Town Clerk, Minister etc would you give a local company, leave alone the students this job? NO why you need to 'eat' and you think they will do a shordy job and ethnicity will be thrown in, so will be politics and a big hullabo and ofcorse the population will not think a good job was done so push it to a big multinational firm which will charge a fortune and you all know what happens,,, Lamu port Feasibility.... really Japan had to do this ??? So Aki are we innovative, Yes and no, is govt policy good? Yes but the leaders do not not care they do not want to be poor again so they are corrupt, the rich are comfortable, middle class can afford Ipods at the moment, and the poor well, you need money to actualize the innovation, and so everyone gave up in their own way. I wont write off every one though I have to acknowledge some of our products, MPESA, MFarm etc I think they are quite good. Oh Gisho... :-) HHO theory is rubbish :-) ... first law of Physics you cannot create energy what you are proposing is like chaining a Motor to a Generator, efficiency comes in more so the amount of energy used will still be available.... Dude think of a Hybrid .... Me thots ... Watson kambo On 20 June 2011 12:07, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
@David, pls find my amatuer comments inline. :-)
On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd < kianiadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Aki,
In the EU video the whole notion of innovation as 'turning ideas into money' is wrong. There are plenty of innovations that don't have direct monetary value but greatly change the way people work, saving time and effort.
Absolutely agree with you, and also add that level of creativity can only come when people have enough to sustain a basic lifestyle. That failed economic polices are the reason that most in developing countries will only innovate pegged to financial returns. They have no other options.
Even the EU can't tell Africa what innovation is or what they ought to do, our greatest innovations must be in the largest areas of need ... food, jobs for all and dealing with disease. We need to localize our solutions, I am very encouraged to see people in Tharaka and Gatanga tapping into local rivers/streams to generate electricity. Is that innovation?
Fully agreed on this and that the EU was an example, and thus the need for local govts to set examples of innovation. For those who self powered using rivers etc are only doing it at a very local level, and that power generated does not contribute to the national grid except fix a local problem. When govt projects that affect National Interests, growth and job creations, then it becomes very different.
TED issues aside, government has a role and in the case of Lockheed Martin, they were contracted to build defense systems during cold war and could not trust any other company outside the US.
Basically developing govts need to understand that we are at war with anything that seeks to replicate creativity and innovation. And this war can only suceed if the right polices are in place. With more than 40 years of independence across the continent, we should have by now had parallel programs that look at saving on literally billions lost through foreign exchange as a start.
Again if you know everything you produce will be taken up by your one and only customer (govt of the US) how much innovation is there? You are approaching this from a very academic angle, innovators don't need permission or policy from government to come up with new or improved stuff they just do.
- The US govt had very specifc requirements for what armaments and technologies were needed, thus the innovation was not limited. How much of what we do today, especially in electronic communications, is derived from the space industry. You name it, and its all there. From atomic clocks, vsat systems to long range radios. And all these led to formations of companies that could deliver on requirements and finally leading to the consumer market. Listen to what the Lady EU commission said about Research to Retail in the EU clip.She is 100% spot on and know what she is talking about.
To really help you understand the problem, please consider this:
The winner at Pivot25 was MedAfrica, which had a proper concept and rollout. Now they need *money* to make the innovation work. What should they do to grow and make a significant impact ? Wait 12-24months in the hope of VC funding or dig into their own pockets to sustain an innovative idea until success?
Rgds. :-)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Watson Kambo
Innovation, in my opinion, is a Makmende game a la Street Fighter or a Louis The Pest platform shooter game with Louis as the final big-boss that goes viral. It uses ideas that people understand and relate to, scalable concepts, and has wide reach and effect, irrespective of whether the initial structure was financial or not. Ask the guys at Angry Birds. Now if only we could get IBM to predict our food security situation... On 6/20/11, Watson Kambo <wkwats@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello All,
Innovation ?? I will agree with all of you, in the Kenyan perspective most of us have given up, first coz the policy makers are still in a 'slave mode' in this mode you were raised 'poor', most of us were and if not poverty was all over, and now you have 'cheo', a good job and so the only way to ensure you do not go back to poverty is to steal as much wealth and thus make sure all your kids do not grow up to be poor, or you are in a comfort zone where you can afford stuff and your kids will of-course go to nice schools hence you are assured they will be fine. When I say poor those of us who have been in abroad know what am talking about, systems that work. This mentality is what is killing us, when you and I get to a point where you can afford most things including health abroad then that's the end.
This is the reason no one cares if we have hunger in the country, you can afford Petrol at 130 KSH !!! so how about unga, so solution to this import Maize ... We now have some policy that will take some time to work, Irrigation, but again who is to implement this, the guy in Turkana ?? NO he has no money... So are we innovative? maybe we are, but we are in the comfort zone ( the ones who should ) and the others are too poor.
The other is poor policy, take the example of the traffic issue, do we really need IBM to do this?? nope we could I bet any University tech student can do this, Mix Computer science students to handle the programming part, Electrical eng to handle the electronics and signaling, Mech for structural etc I mean this is what they do in those EU countries, for 'small' projects.. but think about it you are the Mayor,Town Clerk, Minister etc would you give a local company, leave alone the students this job? NO why you need to 'eat' and you think they will do a shordy job and ethnicity will be thrown in, so will be politics and a big hullabo and ofcorse the population will not think a good job was done so push it to a big multinational firm which will charge a fortune and you all know what happens,,, Lamu port Feasibility.... really Japan had to do this ???
So Aki are we innovative, Yes and no, is govt policy good? Yes but the leaders do not not care they do not want to be poor again so they are corrupt, the rich are comfortable, middle class can afford Ipods at the moment, and the poor well, you need money to actualize the innovation, and so everyone gave up in their own way. I wont write off every one though I have to acknowledge some of our products, MPESA, MFarm etc I think they are quite good.
Oh Gisho... :-) HHO theory is rubbish :-) ... first law of Physics you cannot create energy what you are proposing is like chaining a Motor to a Generator, efficiency comes in more so the amount of energy used will still be available.... Dude think of a Hybrid ....
Me thots ...
Watson kambo
On 20 June 2011 12:07, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
@David, pls find my amatuer comments inline. :-)
On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd < kianiadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Aki,
In the EU video the whole notion of innovation as 'turning ideas into money' is wrong. There are plenty of innovations that don't have direct monetary value but greatly change the way people work, saving time and effort.
Absolutely agree with you, and also add that level of creativity can only come when people have enough to sustain a basic lifestyle. That failed economic polices are the reason that most in developing countries will only innovate pegged to financial returns. They have no other options.
Even the EU can't tell Africa what innovation is or what they ought to do, our greatest innovations must be in the largest areas of need ... food, jobs for all and dealing with disease. We need to localize our solutions, I am very encouraged to see people in Tharaka and Gatanga tapping into local rivers/streams to generate electricity. Is that innovation?
Fully agreed on this and that the EU was an example, and thus the need for local govts to set examples of innovation. For those who self powered using rivers etc are only doing it at a very local level, and that power generated does not contribute to the national grid except fix a local problem. When govt projects that affect National Interests, growth and job creations, then it becomes very different.
TED issues aside, government has a role and in the case of Lockheed Martin, they were contracted to build defense systems during cold war and could not trust any other company outside the US.
Basically developing govts need to understand that we are at war with anything that seeks to replicate creativity and innovation. And this war can only suceed if the right polices are in place. With more than 40 years of independence across the continent, we should have by now had parallel programs that look at saving on literally billions lost through foreign exchange as a start.
Again if you know everything you produce will be taken up by your one and only customer (govt of the US) how much innovation is there? You are approaching this from a very academic angle, innovators don't need permission or policy from government to come up with new or improved stuff they just do.
- The US govt had very specifc requirements for what armaments and technologies were needed, thus the innovation was not limited. How much of what we do today, especially in electronic communications, is derived from the space industry. You name it, and its all there. From atomic clocks, vsat systems to long range radios. And all these led to formations of companies that could deliver on requirements and finally leading to the consumer market. Listen to what the Lady EU commission said about Research to Retail in the EU clip.She is 100% spot on and know what she is talking about.
To really help you understand the problem, please consider this:
The winner at Pivot25 was MedAfrica, which had a proper concept and rollout. Now they need *money* to make the innovation work. What should they do to grow and make a significant impact ? Wait 12-24months in the hope of VC funding or dig into their own pockets to sustain an innovative idea until success?
Rgds. :-)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Watson Kambo
-- *William Warero* *** * *Skype:william.warero| Twitter:wwarero* I've got my head in the cloud....
I believe one Stephen Ndungu (lurking on the list) figured out the problem... Issue is infrastructure, government consent etc... We have unsung innovation... On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 2:58 PM, William Warero <wwarero@gmail.com> wrote:
Innovation, in my opinion, is a Makmende game a la Street Fighter or a Louis The Pest platform shooter game with Louis as the final big-boss that goes viral.
It uses ideas that people understand and relate to, scalable concepts, and has wide reach and effect, irrespective of whether the initial structure was financial or not. Ask the guys at Angry Birds.
Now if only we could get IBM to predict our food security situation...
On 6/20/11, Watson Kambo <wkwats@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello All,
Innovation ?? I will agree with all of you, in the Kenyan perspective most of us have given up, first coz the policy makers are still in a 'slave mode' in this mode you were raised 'poor', most of us were and if not poverty was all over, and now you have 'cheo', a good job and so the only way to ensure you do not go back to poverty is to steal as much wealth and thus make sure all your kids do not grow up to be poor, or you are in a comfort zone where you can afford stuff and your kids will of-course go to nice schools hence you are assured they will be fine. When I say poor those of us who have been in abroad know what am talking about, systems that work. This mentality is what is killing us, when you and I get to a point where you can afford most things including health abroad then that's the end.
This is the reason no one cares if we have hunger in the country, you can afford Petrol at 130 KSH !!! so how about unga, so solution to this import Maize ... We now have some policy that will take some time to work, Irrigation, but again who is to implement this, the guy in Turkana ?? NO he has no money... So are we innovative? maybe we are, but we are in the comfort zone ( the ones who should ) and the others are too poor.
The other is poor policy, take the example of the traffic issue, do we really need IBM to do this?? nope we could I bet any University tech student can do this, Mix Computer science students to handle the programming part, Electrical eng to handle the electronics and signaling, Mech for structural etc I mean this is what they do in those EU countries, for 'small' projects.. but think about it you are the Mayor,Town Clerk, Minister etc would you give a local company, leave alone the students this job? NO why you need to 'eat' and you think they will do a shordy job and ethnicity will be thrown in, so will be politics and a big hullabo and ofcorse the population will not think a good job was done so push it to a big multinational firm which will charge a fortune and you all know what happens,,, Lamu port Feasibility.... really Japan had to do this ???
So Aki are we innovative, Yes and no, is govt policy good? Yes but the leaders do not not care they do not want to be poor again so they are corrupt, the rich are comfortable, middle class can afford Ipods at the moment, and the poor well, you need money to actualize the innovation, and so everyone gave up in their own way. I wont write off every one though I have to acknowledge some of our products, MPESA, MFarm etc I think they are quite good.
Oh Gisho... :-) HHO theory is rubbish :-) ... first law of Physics you cannot create energy what you are proposing is like chaining a Motor to a Generator, efficiency comes in more so the amount of energy used will still be available.... Dude think of a Hybrid ....
Me thots ...
Watson kambo
On 20 June 2011 12:07, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
@David, pls find my amatuer comments inline. :-)
On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd < kianiadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Aki,
In the EU video the whole notion of innovation as 'turning ideas into money' is wrong. There are plenty of innovations that don't have direct monetary value but greatly change the way people work, saving time and effort.
Absolutely agree with you, and also add that level of creativity can only come when people have enough to sustain a basic lifestyle. That failed economic polices are the reason that most in developing countries will only innovate pegged to financial returns. They have no other options.
Even the EU can't tell Africa what innovation is or what they ought to do, our greatest innovations must be in the largest areas of need ... food, jobs for all and dealing with disease. We need to localize our solutions, I am very encouraged to see people in Tharaka and Gatanga tapping into local rivers/streams to generate electricity. Is that innovation?
Fully agreed on this and that the EU was an example, and thus the need for local govts to set examples of innovation. For those who self powered using rivers etc are only doing it at a very local level, and that power generated does not contribute to the national grid except fix a local problem. When govt projects that affect National Interests, growth and job creations, then it becomes very different.
TED issues aside, government has a role and in the case of Lockheed Martin, they were contracted to build defense systems during cold war and could not trust any other company outside the US.
Basically developing govts need to understand that we are at war with anything that seeks to replicate creativity and innovation. And this war can only suceed if the right polices are in place. With more than 40 years of independence across the continent, we should have by now had parallel programs that look at saving on literally billions lost through foreign exchange as a start.
Again if you know everything you produce will be taken up by your one and only customer (govt of the US) how much innovation is there? You are approaching this from a very academic angle, innovators don't need permission or policy from government to come up with new or improved stuff they just do.
- The US govt had very specifc requirements for what armaments and technologies were needed, thus the innovation was not limited. How much of what we do today, especially in electronic communications, is derived from the space industry. You name it, and its all there. From atomic clocks, vsat systems to long range radios. And all these led to formations of companies that could deliver on requirements and finally leading to the consumer market. Listen to what the Lady EU commission said about Research to Retail in the EU clip.She is 100% spot on and know what she is talking about.
To really help you understand the problem, please consider this:
The winner at Pivot25 was MedAfrica, which had a proper concept and rollout. Now they need *money* to make the innovation work. What should they do to grow and make a significant impact ? Wait 12-24months in the hope of VC funding or dig into their own pockets to sustain an innovative idea until success?
Rgds. :-)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Watson Kambo
--
*William Warero* *** * *Skype:william.warero| Twitter:wwarero*
I've got my head in the cloud.... _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- With Regards, Phares Kariuki | T: +254 720 406 093 | E: pkariuki@gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: kariukiphares | B: http://www.kaboro.com/ |
@All, thank you for taking the time to update the thread. I solidly believe now that the story of innovation in developing countries has become the case of the chicken and the egg. I'm not sure what message we are sending to young local innovators out there but hope they still continue to find it in themselves to overcome all the hurdles and find success. Unfortunately, this list cannot do anything about policy changes nor what affects the local innovation industry. We can only discuss and raise our points on hopefully what one day will be the inclusion of main stream innovators into public projects. Then the TEDs and all other platforms can really make sense, otherwise we may be accused of creating a negative environment for investments. I think we have pushed the discussion to a point that we all now understand what affects a system, and in future we can plan our innovations or ideas based on such analysis where the finances and room for change exist. In the meantime, the daily grind calls and bills need to be paid, so its back to the re-cycled entreprenuerships world for now. Interesting read I saw today was the Eldoret Real Estate Plan and how banks are pushing for this. I hope banks will realize at some point that there is also Real Estate in the sea, the submarine fiber, and find ways for kenyans to own the infrastruce and capacity that could spur a capacity supply boom and bring down prices further. Some thots. Have a great day. :-)
@ aki lolz , yenyewe you have dissed us [?][?][?][?][?][?] that youtube clip dubbed 'african entrepreneurs' is us ? lol
I think this whole hullabaloo about innovation is clouding minds as to what needs to be done. We are creating a mental frame of mind where guys are thinking that we need to create new tech, new methods of doing just about everything rather than actually solving the problems on the ground. The guys in Tharaka with their own hydro-electricity plant haven't really invented anything. . . calling this innovation is ridiculous. On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:13 PM, ndungu stephen <ndungustephen@gmail.com>wrote:
@ aki
lolz , yenyewe you have dissed us [?][?][?][?][?][?]
that youtube clip dubbed 'african entrepreneurs' is us ? lol
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Regards, Mark Mwangi http://mwangy.posterous.com
Son, And your input is? Do you have any? Kiania D. On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:39 PM, Mark Mwangi <mwangy@gmail.com> wrote:
I think this whole hullabaloo about innovation is clouding minds as to what needs to be done. We are creating a mental frame of mind where guys are thinking that we need to create new tech, new methods of doing just about everything rather than actually solving the problems on the ground. The guys in Tharaka with their own hydro-electricity plant haven't really invented anything. . . calling this innovation is ridiculous.
On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:13 PM, ndungu stephen <ndungustephen@gmail.com>wrote:
@ aki
lolz , yenyewe you have dissed us [?][?][?][?][?][?]
that youtube clip dubbed 'african entrepreneurs' is us ? lol
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Regards,
Mark Mwangi
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- [Asentric Consulting Ltd] "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR
Aki, http://domino.watson.ibm.com/comm/research.nsf/pages/r.statistics.innovation... On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:32 AM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
@David, Asante.
Did you know that Equity had already developed an Mpesa model 4 years before Mpesa come into being but were shut out by the CBK? In the Pivot25 feed, this was mentioned by one of the panel. Do you also know that there is some proposal by IBM doing rounds on how to address the traffic situation, which is no different than what was discussed on this list almost 3 years ago? I read the IBM traffic story somewhere but cannot find the link.
As for TEDs, imho, they have no place in developing countries as they will never amount to much. TED really is a marketing platform in such countries, not real drivers of significant innovative development. Simply because there are no govt policies to match the need and drive for innovation. Please listen very carefully to the EU Innovation meet video, these are not TED individuals trying to tell others what innovation is but policy thinkers/makers defining it for themselves to meet the decline of the EU in the future.
No doubt that the private sector will innovate to survive competion, but will never innovate enough to radically change the business or commercial environment. Without any doubts, Govt is the main driving factor in innovation. Ask yourself, what made Lockheed Martin and then see why it is important for us to own the process and development of any govt projects? Because innovation will be born at the core of the process.
some thots. :-)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Regards, Greg -------- Life is not a rehearsal, you only live once!
I'm jumping in late into this debate... I have come to appreciate that education-oriented policy interventions do precede innovations to some extent. (1) Late last year, I discovered that the main Ushahidi developers started coding in Secondary school. I think the policy to start IT education in high school - late 1990s - might have contributed to some innovation we're experiencing today. Also, perhaps the general population's capacity to consume tech products. (2) Some visiting Finnish entrepreneurs also pointed to education reforms as the source of the IT-related innovation. Just to quote a section (pg 60) of: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1099079877269/... "In August, 1982, the government approved a technology policy. . It said that the basics of information technology must be taught starting in comprehensive school........" So Linux Torvald's 1992 invention of Linux (10 years later) can be taken in context. Of course, Finland is home to many more innovations. I recently had an opportunity to visit Helsinki and had to ask for directions. 4 out of 4 times, the answers came back with puzzling but fairly accurate numerical approximations. Eg you're about 1.2km from your hotel.... go turn left at the corner, walk about 300m etc etc. How can only 5 million people be so innovative? Of course, regulatory policy should (and will always) trail innovation. My 2 cents ________________________________ From: David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd <kianiadee@gmail.com> To: Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Monday, June 20, 2011 8:46 AM Subject: Re: [Skunkworks] What is Innovation? Aki, You have missed the point, we are discussing the Platform rather than the content which is what I wanted to emphasize. What I love about the presentation is the fact that ideas and innovation are seldom "Eureka" moments rather many people chipping into an idea until a final product is arrived at which we call innovation. That was your question wasn't it? I also differ with you that innovation requires government/policy intervention, policy and legislation trails innovation 100% of the time. Let's think about our local examples, Growth of mobile telephony, MPESA, to mention a few. In actual fact policy curtails innovation, and should come as late in the process as possible. I also tend to think that most innovations hardly reach the public domain, since they focus on meeting people's needs and not publicity. My thoughts, by the way welcome back. Kiania D. PS. I highly recommend 100 greatest discoveries from Science, medicine, physics to chemistry by Bill Nye. Every family ought to have this in their collection. http://science.discovery.com/convergence/100discoveries/hostbio/billnye.html On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 10:12 PM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Just had a more in-depth look into the TED thing.
Here is the TED slogan :
TED's mission of "Ideas Worth Spreading" now reaches far beyond the yearly conferences, encompassing a variety of projects and initiatives that seek to leverage the power of ideas to change the world.
Really, the power of ideas to change the world? Amazing stuff BUT where?
TED AFRICA 2007 : THE NEXT CHAPTER., ( NOW ITS 2011, updates please )
- Anyone have updates of TED and contributors who have brought significant policy changes on innovation and ideas to Africa since 2007 where the impact of these contributions has been a moving factor of developmeny?. Please list them here and educate those of us who don't seem to get the picture.
a) b) c) d)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- [Asentric Consulting Ltd] "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
Bernard I can second that .. been there and they do give you numerical directions ... < out of context > I was also told everyone is taught self reliance from an early age ... if you take your family out to eat and you never said you will pay everyone will pay their meals .. Kids from their weekly/daily allowance :-) I found this interesting ... On 21 June 2011 17:43, Bernard Owuor <b_owuor@yahoo.com> wrote:
I'm jumping in late into this debate...
I have come to appreciate that education-oriented policy interventions do precede innovations to some extent. (1) Late last year, I discovered that the main Ushahidi developers started coding in Secondary school. I think the policy to start IT education in high school - late 1990s - might have contributed to some innovation we're experiencing today. Also, perhaps the general population's capacity to consume tech products.
(2) Some visiting Finnish entrepreneurs also pointed to education reforms as the source of the IT-related innovation. Just to quote a section (pg 60) of: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1099079877269/...
"In August, 1982, the government approved a technology policy. . It said that the basics of information technology must be taught starting in comprehensive school........"
So Linux Torvald's 1992 invention of Linux (10 years later) can be taken in context. Of course, Finland is home to many more innovations.
I recently had an opportunity to visit Helsinki and had to ask for directions. 4 out of 4 times, the answers came back with puzzling but fairly accurate numerical approximations. Eg you're about 1.2km from your hotel.... go turn left at the corner, walk about 300m etc etc. How can only 5 million people be so innovative?
Of course, regulatory policy should (and will always) trail innovation.
My 2 cents
------------------------------ *From:* David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd <kianiadee@gmail.com> *To:* Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> *Sent:* Monday, June 20, 2011 8:46 AM *Subject:* Re: [Skunkworks] What is Innovation?
Aki,
You have missed the point, we are discussing the Platform rather than the content which is what I wanted to emphasize. What I love about the presentation is the fact that ideas and innovation are seldom "Eureka" moments rather many people chipping into an idea until a final product is arrived at which we call innovation. That was your question wasn't it?
I also differ with you that innovation requires government/policy intervention, policy and legislation trails innovation 100% of the time. Let's think about our local examples, Growth of mobile telephony, MPESA, to mention a few. In actual fact policy curtails innovation, and should come as late in the process as possible.
I also tend to think that most innovations hardly reach the public domain, since they focus on meeting people's needs and not publicity.
My thoughts, by the way welcome back.
Kiania D.
PS. I highly recommend 100 greatest discoveries from Science, medicine, physics to chemistry by Bill Nye. Every family ought to have this in their collection.
http://science.discovery.com/convergence/100discoveries/hostbio/billnye.html
On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 10:12 PM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Just had a more in-depth look into the TED thing.
Here is the TED slogan :
TED's mission of "Ideas Worth Spreading" now reaches far beyond the
yearly
conferences, encompassing a variety of projects and initiatives that seek to leverage the power of ideas to change the world.
Really, the power of ideas to change the world? Amazing stuff BUT where?
TED AFRICA 2007 : THE NEXT CHAPTER., ( NOW ITS 2011, updates please )
- Anyone have updates of TED and contributors who have brought significant policy changes on innovation and ideas to Africa since 2007 where the impact of these contributions has been a moving factor of developmeny?. Please list them here and educate those of us who don't seem to get the picture.
a) b) c) d)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
--
[Asentric Consulting Ltd]
"The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Watson Kambo
+1 on education oriented policy. A good number of people I know who picked up software dev and learnt how to code from the volunteer teachers outside of class time are running their own companies. -- Josiah Mugambi On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 6:33 PM, Watson Kambo <wkwats@gmail.com> wrote:
Bernard I can second that .. been there and they do give you numerical directions ...
< out of context > I was also told everyone is taught self reliance from an early age ... if you take your family out to eat and you never said you will pay everyone will pay their meals .. Kids from their weekly/daily allowance :-) I found this interesting ...
On 21 June 2011 17:43, Bernard Owuor <b_owuor@yahoo.com> wrote:
I'm jumping in late into this debate...
I have come to appreciate that education-oriented policy interventions do precede innovations to some extent. (1) Late last year, I discovered that the main Ushahidi developers started coding in Secondary school. I think the policy to start IT education in high school - late 1990s - might have contributed to some innovation we're experiencing today. Also, perhaps the general population's capacity to consume tech products.
(2) Some visiting Finnish entrepreneurs also pointed to education reforms as the source of the IT-related innovation. Just to quote a section (pg 60) of: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1099079877269/...
"In August, 1982, the government approved a technology policy. . It said that the basics of information technology must be taught starting in comprehensive school........"
So Linux Torvald's 1992 invention of Linux (10 years later) can be taken in context. Of course, Finland is home to many more innovations.
I recently had an opportunity to visit Helsinki and had to ask for directions. 4 out of 4 times, the answers came back with puzzling but fairly accurate numerical approximations. Eg you're about 1.2km from your hotel.... go turn left at the corner, walk about 300m etc etc. How can only 5 million people be so innovative?
Of course, regulatory policy should (and will always) trail innovation.
My 2 cents
------------------------------ *From:* David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd <kianiadee@gmail.com> *To:* Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> *Sent:* Monday, June 20, 2011 8:46 AM *Subject:* Re: [Skunkworks] What is Innovation?
Aki,
You have missed the point, we are discussing the Platform rather than the content which is what I wanted to emphasize. What I love about the presentation is the fact that ideas and innovation are seldom "Eureka" moments rather many people chipping into an idea until a final product is arrived at which we call innovation. That was your question wasn't it?
I also differ with you that innovation requires government/policy intervention, policy and legislation trails innovation 100% of the time. Let's think about our local examples, Growth of mobile telephony, MPESA, to mention a few. In actual fact policy curtails innovation, and should come as late in the process as possible.
I also tend to think that most innovations hardly reach the public domain, since they focus on meeting people's needs and not publicity.
My thoughts, by the way welcome back.
Kiania D.
PS. I highly recommend 100 greatest discoveries from Science, medicine, physics to chemistry by Bill Nye. Every family ought to have this in their collection.
http://science.discovery.com/convergence/100discoveries/hostbio/billnye.html
On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 10:12 PM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Just had a more in-depth look into the TED thing.
Here is the TED slogan :
TED's mission of "Ideas Worth Spreading" now reaches far beyond the
yearly
conferences, encompassing a variety of projects and initiatives that seek to leverage the power of ideas to change the world.
Really, the power of ideas to change the world? Amazing stuff BUT where?
TED AFRICA 2007 : THE NEXT CHAPTER., ( NOW ITS 2011, updates please )
- Anyone have updates of TED and contributors who have brought significant policy changes on innovation and ideas to Africa since 2007 where the impact of these contributions has been a moving factor of developmeny?. Please list them here and educate those of us who don't seem to get the picture.
a) b) c) d)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
--
[Asentric Consulting Ltd]
"The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Watson Kambo
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
+1 here as well. Many people didn't like the OLPC idea/project. I did, though not for the marketing reasons they stated. I like it because it got laptops into the hands of kids. It's a numbers game; the more computers that are in kids hands, the more likely they are to get curious and hack on them. Those are the kids who grow up to be the engineers and architects that we need - and we need more here, a lot more. If someone would come up with (and champion) some secondary school program or a "computer camp" for local high schools, I'd be happy to put whatever resources I can muster into it. Erik Hersman www.ushahidi.com | www.iHub.co.ke www.afrigadget.com | www.whiteafrican.com | @whiteafrican On Jun 21, 2011, at 8:00 PM, Josiah Mugambi wrote:
+1 on education oriented policy. A good number of people I know who picked up software dev and learnt how to code from the volunteer teachers outside of class time are running their own companies.
-- Josiah Mugambi
On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 6:33 PM, Watson Kambo <wkwats@gmail.com> wrote: Bernard I can second that .. been there and they do give you numerical directions ...
< out of context > I was also told everyone is taught self reliance from an early age ... if you take your family out to eat and you never said you will pay everyone will pay their meals .. Kids from their weekly/daily allowance :-) I found this interesting ...
On 21 June 2011 17:43, Bernard Owuor <b_owuor@yahoo.com> wrote: I'm jumping in late into this debate...
I have come to appreciate that education-oriented policy interventions do precede innovations to some extent. (1) Late last year, I discovered that the main Ushahidi developers started coding in Secondary school. I think the policy to start IT education in high school - late 1990s - might have contributed to some innovation we're experiencing today. Also, perhaps the general population's capacity to consume tech products.
(2) Some visiting Finnish entrepreneurs also pointed to education reforms as the source of the IT-related innovation. Just to quote a section (pg 60) of: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1099079877269/...
"In August, 1982, the government approved a technology policy. . It said that the basics of information technology must be taught starting in comprehensive school........"
So Linux Torvald's 1992 invention of Linux (10 years later) can be taken in context. Of course, Finland is home to many more innovations.
I recently had an opportunity to visit Helsinki and had to ask for directions. 4 out of 4 times, the answers came back with puzzling but fairly accurate numerical approximations. Eg you're about 1.2km from your hotel.... go turn left at the corner, walk about 300m etc etc. How can only 5 million people be so innovative?
Of course, regulatory policy should (and will always) trail innovation.
My 2 cents
From: David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd <kianiadee@gmail.com> To: Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Monday, June 20, 2011 8:46 AM Subject: Re: [Skunkworks] What is Innovation?
Aki,
You have missed the point, we are discussing the Platform rather than the content which is what I wanted to emphasize. What I love about the presentation is the fact that ideas and innovation are seldom "Eureka" moments rather many people chipping into an idea until a final product is arrived at which we call innovation. That was your question wasn't it?
I also differ with you that innovation requires government/policy intervention, policy and legislation trails innovation 100% of the time. Let's think about our local examples, Growth of mobile telephony, MPESA, to mention a few. In actual fact policy curtails innovation, and should come as late in the process as possible.
I also tend to think that most innovations hardly reach the public domain, since they focus on meeting people's needs and not publicity.
My thoughts, by the way welcome back.
Kiania D.
PS. I highly recommend 100 greatest discoveries from Science, medicine, physics to chemistry by Bill Nye. Every family ought to have this in their collection.
http://science.discovery.com/convergence/100discoveries/hostbio/billnye.html
On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 10:12 PM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Just had a more in-depth look into the TED thing.
Here is the TED slogan :
TED's mission of "Ideas Worth Spreading" now reaches far beyond the yearly conferences, encompassing a variety of projects and initiatives that seek to leverage the power of ideas to change the world.
Really, the power of ideas to change the world? Amazing stuff BUT where?
TED AFRICA 2007 : THE NEXT CHAPTER., ( NOW ITS 2011, updates please )
- Anyone have updates of TED and contributors who have brought significant policy changes on innovation and ideas to Africa since 2007 where the impact of these contributions has been a moving factor of developmeny?. Please list them here and educate those of us who don't seem to get the picture.
a) b) c) d)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
--
[Asentric Consulting Ltd]
"The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Watson Kambo
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
@Erik I think there is such a project and I believe it needs all the help it can get http://thekuyuproject.org/ On Sun, Jul 3, 2011 at 10:02 PM, Erik Hersman <erik@zungu.com> wrote:
+1 here as well.
Many people didn't like the OLPC idea/project. I did, though not for the marketing reasons they stated. I like it because it got laptops into the hands of kids. It's a numbers game; the more computers that are in kids hands, the more likely they are to get curious and hack on them. Those are the kids who grow up to be the engineers and architects that we need - and we need more here, a lot more.
If someone would come up with (and champion) some secondary school program or a "computer camp" for local high schools, I'd be happy to put whatever resources I can muster into it.
Erik Hersman
www.ushahidi.com | www.iHub.co.ke <http://www.ihub.co.ke/> www.afrigadget.com | www.whiteafrican.com <http://www.afrigadget.com/> | @whiteafrican <http://twitter.com/whiteafrican>
On Jun 21, 2011, at 8:00 PM, Josiah Mugambi wrote:
+1 on education oriented policy. A good number of people I know who picked up software dev and learnt how to code from the volunteer teachers outside of class time are running their own companies.
-- Josiah Mugambi
On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 6:33 PM, Watson Kambo <wkwats@gmail.com> wrote:
Bernard I can second that .. been there and they do give you numerical directions ...
< out of context > I was also told everyone is taught self reliance from an early age ... if you take your family out to eat and you never said you will pay everyone will pay their meals .. Kids from their weekly/daily allowance :-) I found this interesting ...
On 21 June 2011 17:43, Bernard Owuor <b_owuor@yahoo.com> wrote:
I'm jumping in late into this debate...
I have come to appreciate that education-oriented policy interventions do precede innovations to some extent. (1) Late last year, I discovered that the main Ushahidi developers started coding in Secondary school. I think the policy to start IT education in high school - late 1990s - might have contributed to some innovation we're experiencing today. Also, perhaps the general population's capacity to consume tech products.
(2) Some visiting Finnish entrepreneurs also pointed to education reforms as the source of the IT-related innovation. Just to quote a section (pg 60) of: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1099079877269/...
"In August, 1982, the government approved a technology policy. . It said that the basics of information technology must be taught starting in comprehensive school........"
So Linux Torvald's 1992 invention of Linux (10 years later) can be taken in context. Of course, Finland is home to many more innovations.
I recently had an opportunity to visit Helsinki and had to ask for directions. 4 out of 4 times, the answers came back with puzzling but fairly accurate numerical approximations. Eg you're about 1.2km from your hotel.... go turn left at the corner, walk about 300m etc etc. How can only 5 million people be so innovative?
Of course, regulatory policy should (and will always) trail innovation.
My 2 cents
------------------------------ *From:* David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd <kianiadee@gmail.com> *To:* Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> *Sent:* Monday, June 20, 2011 8:46 AM *Subject:* Re: [Skunkworks] What is Innovation?
Aki,
You have missed the point, we are discussing the Platform rather than the content which is what I wanted to emphasize. What I love about the presentation is the fact that ideas and innovation are seldom "Eureka" moments rather many people chipping into an idea until a final product is arrived at which we call innovation. That was your question wasn't it?
I also differ with you that innovation requires government/policy intervention, policy and legislation trails innovation 100% of the time. Let's think about our local examples, Growth of mobile telephony, MPESA, to mention a few. In actual fact policy curtails innovation, and should come as late in the process as possible.
I also tend to think that most innovations hardly reach the public domain, since they focus on meeting people's needs and not publicity.
My thoughts, by the way welcome back.
Kiania D.
PS. I highly recommend 100 greatest discoveries from Science, medicine, physics to chemistry by Bill Nye. Every family ought to have this in their collection.
http://science.discovery.com/convergence/100discoveries/hostbio/billnye.html
On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 10:12 PM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Just had a more in-depth look into the TED thing.
Here is the TED slogan :
TED's mission of "Ideas Worth Spreading" now reaches far beyond the
yearly
conferences, encompassing a variety of projects and initiatives that seek to leverage the power of ideas to change the world.
Really, the power of ideas to change the world? Amazing stuff BUT where?
TED AFRICA 2007 : THE NEXT CHAPTER., ( NOW ITS 2011, updates please )
- Anyone have updates of TED and contributors who have brought significant policy changes on innovation and ideas to Africa since 2007 where the impact of these contributions has been a moving factor of developmeny?. Please list them here and educate those of us who don't seem to get the picture.
a) b) c) d)
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
--
[Asentric Consulting Ltd]
"The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Watson Kambo
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- *William Warero* *** * *Skype:william.warero| Twitter:wwarero http://www.warero.wordpress.com*
Hope this TED Talk answers what is innovation .. this one of my most favourite TED talks entitled "Where good ideas come from" from Steven Johnson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0af00UcTO-c Regards David K On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 8:59 AM, aki <aki275@gmail.com> wrote:
Some thots for Sunday.
Each person has their own definition,
From a developed country's view : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NK0WR2GtFs . I like the comments by the Marie Quinn, EU Commissioner because she hit the nail on the head and so did Larry Hurst, IBM. Plenty of words on Govt Policies.
From Africa's view point : Re-cycling entreprenuers : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BAm99UKn7w . ( BTW, those garbage is a symbolic representation of anything-dealerships, vendorships, wheeler dealers etc )
Rgds.
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- [Asentric Consulting Ltd] "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war." - Navy SEAL INSTRUCTOR
@David, allow me to air my opinion here. Quite frankly, TED is more of a social club when compared to the EU Innovation video simply as it cannot do one thing so important as the EU meet because it cannot come up with and enforce innovation policies and visions. TED is great for sharing inspirations for the private sector in developed countries as to seek out special individuals with visions but is toothless when it really comes to it in developing countries. As an example, there are a few TEDsters in KE. Not a single one has engaged the govt in how important local innovation is to correct the policies. These TEDsters in KE should have been the first ones to create noise when the govt gave away the digitization project to google, for a start. Corrections are most welcome. :-) On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 4:30 PM, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd < kianiadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Hope this TED Talk answers what is innovation .. this one of my most favourite TED talks entitled "Where good ideas come from" from Steven Johnson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0af00UcTO-c
Regards
David K
participants (14)
-
[ Brainiac ] -
aki -
Bernard Owuor -
David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd -
Erik Hersman -
gisho -
Gregory Okoth -
Josiah Mugambi -
Mark Mwangi -
ndungu stephen -
Peter Osotsi -
Phares Kariuki -
Watson Kambo -
William Warero