A Video Interview with Eric Ries: Disruptive Entrepreneurs. “Companies are all too aware of the disruptive power of technology. The author of The Lean Startup argues that the competitive reaction of many organizations remains fatally flawed.” Read more from McKinsey at http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140421161040-2157554-disruptive-entrepreneurs-mckinsey-video-interview 7 P’s for Delighting Customers. “…these seven principles will help you design and build a product and a business based on that product that will delight customers.” Read more from All Voices at http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/16933243-the-7-ps-of-product-development Product Managers Take Note – Suggestions for Influencing when You Don’t have Authority. “Product managers require a diverse set of skills to excel at their role, including design, technical, analytical, communication, and more. Yet there is one skill that I find is often underrated but critical for the success of a product manager. And that is the skill of influence without authority.” Read more from LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140421011949-6932336-influence-without-authority-the-most-underrated-product-management-skill Want More Innovation: Inspire Entrepreneurship and Creativity In Your Organization. “A company that doesn’t believe it needs to be innovative in this day and age is a company that will most likely not remain relevant very long.” Read more from Forbes at http://www.forbes.com/sites/reuvencohen/2014/04/22/innovation-capital-how-to-inspire-entrepreneurship-and-creativity-in-business/ Open Innovation in China – Not Just a Copycat. “The rise of China’s tech industry is fueled in part by its growing investment in research and development. According to a study by U.S.-based Battelle Memorial Institute, R&D spending in China will likely reach $284 billion this year, up 22% from 2012.” Read more from Idex Lab at http://www.idexlab.com/blog/open-innovation-china-transitioning-copycat-innovative-hub Back Again – The Best Online Free Innovative Product Development Conference. “This award-winning, online event will feature keynotes by innovation experts Michelle Greenwald and Braden Kelley discussing how organizations can spur innovation.” Read more from Herald Online at: http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/04/24/5897422/planview-hosts-fifth-annual-pipeline.html?sp=/100/773/385/#storylink=cpy Scott Anthony’s Latest Innovation Book: The First Mile. “So when he says that “innovation has almost become a cliché” we should probably pay attention.” Read more from Forbes at http://www.forbes.com/sites/rogertrapp/2014/04/23/to-succeed-in-innovation-avoid-extremes/ Innovation is Purposeful Change. “The lifeblood of any organization is matching its unique internal capabilities (Enablers: technology) with external needs (Drivers: market), to attract resources, which then enables growth.” Red more from Huffington Post at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/soren-petersen/design-matching-innovatio_b_5199562.html Companies Renew Focus on Front-End Innovation Activities. “Now that growth is once again a corporate priority (after years of cost cutting efforts) and the understanding of how to create innovative cultures improves, there has been increasing focus on this issue from executive leadership.” Read more from Chicago Tribune at http://bluesky.chicagotribune.com/hub/chi-us-chamber-corporate-america-innovation-bsi-hub,0,0.htmlstory