The Emergent Approach to Strategy: Adaptation, Innovation, and Historical Insights
In this episode, the focus is on Peter Compo's discussion of 'The Emergent Approach to Strategy,' specifically its application to adaptation and emergence in strategy development. The conversation explores the parallel between biological evolution and human innovation, highlighting the importance of adaptive systems in creativity and strategy. Historical examples, such as the early automotive industry led by Henry Ford and modern electric cars pioneered by Elon Musk, are used to illustrate how low-level disciplines and rules can lead to high-level strategic outcomes and industry transformations. The episode delves into the principles of complex adaptive systems, emphasizing the balance between discipline and free-thinking, and how effective strategies emerge from rigorous local actions. Peter Compo also addresses the concept of levels within organizations, stressing the significance of being attuned to low-level operations to drive innovation while avoiding becoming prisoners of past successes.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:08 The Concept of Adaptation and Emergence
03:43 Historical Examples of Adaptive Systems
07:13 Ford's Strategy and Its Evolution
10:39 The Theory of Levels in Creativity and Innovation
18:54 Connecting Levels to Strategy
27:41 Ants and Social Insects: A Case Study
31:48 Intel's Transition to CPUs
35:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Link to Peter's website: https://emergentapproach.com
Link to Peter's Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsn2zbnx8dwvHJrisdkAtg
Link to Scale with Geoffrey West Part 1 of 3: https://youtu.be/P3WowJWdX5w?si=lcgHp-bC6OrAuobG
Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC.
https://theinnovationshow.io
Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions:
https://thethursdaythought.substack.com
Peter Compo, Aidan McCullen, emergent strategy, Peter Compo, adaptive systems, innovation, complex adaptive systems, business strategy, evolutionary mechanisms, creativity, Henry Ford, Tesla, Elon Musk, execution, Intel CPUs, corporate discipline, low level rules, high level outcomes, market forces, leadership insights
