Überpreneurs: How to Create Innovative Global Businesses and Transform Human Societies

Abstract

We came to this project from different backgrounds and via different paths. Fiona taught public policy and resource management, researched funding mechanisms for science and innovation, and served as a consultant to governments in Europe, Asia and North America. Along the way, she became increasingly interested in the nature of entrepreneurs. Peter's research on drug design led him to found a series of biotechnology companies and research institutes in Australia, and then into the role of Queensland Chief Scientist, where he learnt both the pleasure and the pain of operating at the interface of research, business and government. The meeting of our paths, and the genesis of this book, occurred in Tokyo in 2008, when we were both invited speakers at a symposium organised by Professor Takeda Shuzaburo of the Business University Forum of Japan. The meeting was remarkable in that it brought together the leaders of major foundations, corporations, universities and governments, all intent on seeking innovative ways to tackle the global challenges of climate change, ageing populations, environmental sustainability, and the shift away from manufacturing industries to knowledge and information-based industries as sources of wealth creation. We came away from that meeting with one clear conclusion and several questions. Our conclusion was simple: none of these challenges can ever be adequately addressed by governments constrained to three- or four-year terms, by corporations answering to shareholders, by nongovernmental organisations rife with political agendas or even by philanthropic organisations hamstrung by competing ideologies. Addressing them effectively requires creativity and courage, passion and vision, speed and flexibility. These are not the characteristics of organisations accountable to stakeholders - be they electors, shareholders or donors. These are the attributes of people. Ultimately, the ones tackling our global challenges most effectively are people: inspirational and inspired individuals driven by an epic ambition to change the world.