King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s global IT summit in Saudi Arabia presents a model for digital transformation
The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, known as KAUST, is a fascinating place. A literal and figurative oasis about an hour north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, KAUST is a tier-one research university with a mission to inspire discoveries that address global challenges and to serve as a beacon of knowledge that bridges people and cultures for the betterment of humanity.
Last week, KAUST brought together nearly 100 leaders from industry, government, education and other research institutions to help it craft its forward-looking IT strategy. But more than just helping craft their strategy, this summit proved to be a model for executing a digital transformation.
A modern incarnation of the Medici Effect
Author Frans Johansson coined the term The Medici Effect in his 2004 book of the same name. The term describes the innovation that occurs when people of different cultures, backgrounds, disciplines and perspectives come together and interact.
The term references Johansson’s belief that the Medici family of Florence effectively, but unknowingly, kicked off the Renaissance by bringing together the greatest artists of the time and allowing them to interact and feed off of one another’s work. As I walked around KAUST, I could not help but feel that I was witnessing a similar effect.
Read the entire article at http://www.networkworld.com/article/3168966/leadership-management/accelerating-digital-transformation-using-the-medici-effect.html.
Disclosure: KAUST paid a speaking fee and covered my travel expenses for this event, a standard industry practice. As of the time of writing, none of the other organizations mentioned in this article are Intellyx customers.
