I read with great pleasure and interest the manuscript of the forthcoming book ¨Serendipity Unleashed¨ by Ilkka Kakko.
The book is such a great insight of the developments of the thinking about serendipity that it is a must-read for all interested in modern innovation theory and practise.
I come from Open Innovation 2.0 perspective; combining open innovation with citizen participation as subjects, not objects in the innovation path. This purpose-driven quadruple helix approach builds on interdisciplinary idea collisions and real-world experiments and prototypes. Serendipity is thus one essential element in this innovation method.
However, as Ilkka Kakko clearly highlights in his book, serendipity is nothing leading to ¨happy accidents¨ but that it is a systemic approach where conditions for interdisciplinary innovation and successes are sought after. The milieu, conditions, and ambience need to be right to foster creativity. Here we come close to the Japanese thinking of ¨Ba¨, wise place where innovation is catalysed on many levels ranging from the physical to the mental ones. Ilkka Kakko refers to authentic serendipity, which is more precisely reflecting the process including serendipity. Serendipity is about attitude, curiosity and courage to combine thoughts and ideas in a safe environment.
What is interestingly highlighted in the book is how shallow the understanding of serendipity was for decades, and not many practical examples existed. The netWork Oasis innovation milieu which is described in the book was clearly a frontrunner also developing methods and tools for the more systemic approach.
Serendipity is the stimulus for action, created by the conditions and mindset. Hence from modern innovation in complex environments standpoint serendipity, quadruple helix actors, and real -world prototypes are all essential. We also need to look at organisations and their boundaries in this context. It is not enough to drive innovation within an organisation, we need to be open for the best, irrespective organisational boundaries. Innovation is moving towards purpose-oriented innovation rather than organisation-limited. Hence the role of systemic approach including (authentic) serendipity design is increasing.
I am glad to read from the book how the netWork Oasis legacy is brought forward, and lives strongly.
The book refers to Jesters, which I think is essential when we see the role of the thought leaders developing the positive approach towards more systemic use of positive serendipity and its growth. Jesters bring the right mood for interdisciplinarity, creativity and surprises.
Thank you, Ilkka, for guiding us in the history and especially in thinking for the understanding of the value of serendipity.
Bror Salmelin, Thought leader in open innovation ecosystems, Former Advisor to European Commission
