Updated for 2024! An interactive companion to our annual 2024 Site Seekers’ Guide print edition, Business Facilities’ Location Profiles are comprehensive, up-to-date sources of economic development news, contacts, targeted growth sectors, rankings and more for relocating and expanding companies. Tap into unlimited free access to valuable information that will make your site selection and location decisions easier.

Innovation

Emerging IT Technologies Address Innovation Management Challenges

Posted by Heidi Schwartz As competition intensifies, businesses are constantly looking to improve their business models and keep up with market demands. Rapid globalization has also compelled companies to employ inventive technologies that will facilitate employee collaboration as well as revolutionize existing product development and service delivery processes. As a result, organizations are adopting a plethora of advanced technological tools to manage their innovation process. Analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Technology Solutions to Innovation Management Challenges, finds that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, social computing, cloud computing, semantic analysis, virtual reality, computer-aided design and big data analytics heavily influence innovation management. “Deploying innovation management tools empowered by emerging technologies will help firms propel organic growth through innovation,” said Frost & Sullivan Technical Insights Research Analyst Sathya Vendhan. “For instance, the integration of cloud computing with idea management solutions will enable organizations to reap the benefits of collaboration. Similarly, the use of big data and cloud will enhance project efficiency and decrease production costs.” The primary factor curbing the incorporation of new age technologies in innovation management is the lack of awareness on technology utilization, especially in non-information and communication technology sectors. Another challenge is low employee participation owing to the poor integration of software into existing company infrastructure. Furthermore, the reluctance of organizations to share intellectual property causes redundancies and bottlenecks in product innovation. Companies must form mutually beneficial partnerships to build a collaborative environment that will facilitate open innovation and ensure better products for customers. “In addition, ... Read more

What Cities Have The Most Innovative Workers?

New research highlights cities where the largest percentage of CFOs view innovation as an employee strength.

Commonwealth Center For Advanced Manufacturing To Partner With The Department Of Defense Technology Development Institute

In addition to funding from consortium members, the institute will receive a portion of the $140 million federal funds designated for manufacturing innovation institutes.

COVER STORY: Advanced Manufacturing — Creating Jobs In 3Dimensions

From the digitization of equipment and processes to 3D printing to materials with custom-designed properties, advanced manufacturing is driving high-tech innovation, exports and the creation on high-wage jobs. From the May/June 2013 issue.

Global Green Lighting To Hire Up To 250 For New Chattanooga Facility

Innovative wireless radio controlled LED street lighting systems to be assembled in Hamilton County. The move will create jobs for Tennesseans by bringing subcontracted production back from China.
Share to...