How creative businesses in technology and media are unearthing new ideas in unexpected places--from an American Idol-style contest at Adobe Systems to eBay's new "disruption" team. Meet the new cool hunters.
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Scouting Online
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Finding Genius on eBay
In the old days, eBay was ambivalent about independent software developers and charged them fees, based on the number of people who used their programs. Now, eBay's Disruptive Innovation team seeks out developers who can make it easier for consumers to use eBay -- and they're getting paid for their worth.
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Making Connections in Silicon Valley
One of the most effective behind-the-scenes connectors in the Valley, Sylvia Paul, started out throwing some of the hottest parties at computer-industry conventions in the '80s. Now she links the hard-core geeks, entrepreneurs, media insiders, and the political activists, too.
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Showcasing Ideas with Adobe Idol
In American Idol fashion, product managers unveil new concepts in front of a panel of colleagues they hardly know, looking to gain traction for their ideas. This is Adobe's Champion Showcase, a quarterly event in which the company plans to rev up innovation.
In a connected economy, businesses can’t rely on the same old ideas from the same old people. To succeed, you need to seek out innovation from unexpected sources, in unexpected ways.
A portfolio of sleuths, impresarios, and connectors who travel the leading edge in search of the undiscovered.
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