What turns a country into an innovation machine?

"Conference report: Mikronet, Denmark September 23-25th 2005"

Helen MARTIN
Who’s who

I recently experienced a new form of Knowledge management – an explosion of shared human co-operation, an energetic buzz and an altogether positive experience – a conference aimed at “Free Agents”, “One-man-Bands” – these micro-businesses go by many names. All identify someone who has had the determination, energy and vision to go ahead and try to establish their own competence as a saleable commodity. It was an uplifting experience and one which created a little bit of history in Denmark.

This is not intended to be a detailed report – just an impression of the overwhelming lift to the spirits experienced by the participants and a strong feeling that this is a definite trend of the future which should be incorporated in Knowledge Management.

Background

It all began when Abelone Glahn, Danish expert on networking, had the idea of organising a conference aimed at Micro-businesses/ One-Man Bands/ Free Agents, not only to bring these individuals together, but to help them create Networks. The micro-businesses represent a significant, but largely overlooked segment of Danish businesses. An additional idea was to place focus on our Region – a part of Denmark that has, like many other outlying regions, seen its industry disappear with consequent unemployment and exodus of the younger population.

Abelone invited her local network to help make the tentative idea into reality. This network consists of a variety of people of very varied backgrounds, a wide age range with professions ranging from a hospital clown to film instructor, journalists, photographers, designers – as it happens, a group representative of those that Richard Florida considers to be the “creative class” (see: The Rise of the Creative Class, Perseus Book Group, 2002).

Enthusiastic preparations led to a meeting where the idea and reasoning behind the conference was put to a group of influential local people. The meeting was summarised by the editor of the local paper as being invited to be a “committee for an idea” – so it was clear that much more focus was required, but the general concept was positively accepted.

Fund raising began in earnest. Applying for money from the various funds was not only time consuming, but also difficult.

Potential participants were identified by personal networks; working closely together with local Counties, searching the Internet and various directories. This, combined with advertising in the local press and various appearances on TV and radio, resulted in almost 200 participants.

The conference

This was an overwhelming success, with very positive feed-back from all participants. The main theme was how exciting it was to meet people who have the same problems, difficulties and triumphs. Not because of a shared trade or profession, but because of a shared mind-set. The energy and understanding/sharing of common problems released by creative people – from widely differing professions, but all with the mental focus on independence and the strong survival interest in making a success of their micro-business was palpable.

The programme was wide ranging; it included lectures by Mark Thorborg, founder of Jubii (a big database of Danish Businesses) and now director of Spamfighter, whose topic was the strategic and knowledgeable expansion of one’s business; Johan Peter Paludan, who is a researcher into future trends, discussed the Freelancer as the employee of the future with emphasis on Knowledge workers; Margrete Bak took as her topic the need for Free Agents to collaborate – using the concept of the Com-colleague – competitors and at the same time, colleagues. Abelone Glahn covered how to set up business connections using the Internet and becoming ‘visible’ as a free agent’, expanding and maintaining professional networks, and Soeren Oestergaard gave an entertaining insight into his life as an actor and circus director – a very active ‘free agent’!

Several very interesting workshops were offered covering creativity and innovation; finding funding; self-management for Free Agents; how to handle conflict; expanding one’s business internationally; how to optimise one’s home site; finding competitor information on the Internet; personal appearance; finding funding; cultural innovation; sales techniques…

An active game of "Networkers"© got all the participants racing round trading experience, skills and forming networks.

Overseas interest was evident: Prof. Sheen S. Levine of Singapore Management University (PhD, U. of Pennsylvania) and Prof. Robert O. Kurzban of the University of Pennsylvania (PhD, U. of California, Santa Barbara) contacted the organisers and it was agreed to involve the participants of the conference (if they agreed) in part of an international study of social networks in business and society which they are carrying out. The study explores Social networks, or “who is connected to whom”. These operate on many levels, from individual people to nations. Researchers have found that these networks can explain and predict everything from the performance and promotion of individual employees, to the success of new and established organizations, to economic development of regions and countries.

The gala dinner on Saturday evening was buzzing with excitement, and Sunday morning’s session started with a session of live music as the Region’s Chamber Ensemble performed various classic pieces – the conductor explained that a Chamber Ensemble is a perfect example of a network co-operating and functioning as a whole. A terrific start to the day’s workshops and lectures.

A solid selection of professional advisers were on hand to give practical assistance: banks and other financial institutions, estate agents, accountants, trade unions etc.

The Outcome

Apart from having been mentally stimulated and having had an enjoyable time, learning relevant skills and making personal contacts with potential com-colleagues, several networks were established.

In addition to the main one which covers the Region (www.mikronet.dk), and includes all participants of the Conference, 12 others were established:

• A network to help with mutual coaching, help with lecturing and exchange of ideas as consultant


• Mutual Support group (area focused), possible establishment of shared office space


• Human Resource – focus on management


• The media network – a collaboration vehicle for working together on projects, and exchange experience and knowledge on topics such as courses, marketing training etc. for businesses established more than 2 years


• Professional net-designers


• Exchange of experience relating to contracts, agreements, customer relationships etc.


• Cultural network – exchange of experience/involvement in projects involving art and creativity


• Working environments – physical and mental


• A network for Free Agents living on the island of Bogoe


• Development of own web-sites


• A media network – to collaborate and exchange experience and give mutual support


• And, the Copenhagen network – set up by those participants who live outside the region, in the Copenhagen area.

The future?

Considering the great interest and positive feedback it would be relevant to run the same sort of conference in other Danish regions and internationally. There has already been very positive feelers extended from various sides, the interest and delight at having a common ‘mind set’ rather than a common professional background must be experienced by others.

Helen MARTIN
Who’s who
BioPharmation Consulting

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