Anuj Lohia's Profile

A very interesting aspect of how open innovation can better our world! I think Unicef’s use of open innovation is quite key especially as you consider the sensitivity and lack of time in the issues being handled. One concern I have is the reliance on social media as an effective way to trace the impacted areas – especially with the risk of cyber security. Also, will this type of strategy work in the more remote areas in which Unicef currently operates – where there is little to no connectivity? Although this is a novel way of obtaining data more quickly, I feel it is important for Unicef to also stay strong in the their other manners of retrieving data on the ground.

Interesting article! I agree that 3D printing / additive manufacturing can give Nike an even greater edge over its competitors through more efficient and quality-controlled production. I believe another key area in which Nike could leverage the faster product development is by doing quicker tests of how some of their newer products fair in the market. It could help them more efficiently test the viability of new products on a small sample size and gain quicker insights and data on how to improve their offerings.

The potential in additive manufacturing for Nike is enormous!

Nice article! I agree that it is critical for Lego to appeal to the younger demographic as to create a longer customer lifetime value. As there is a trend towards parents reducing the amount of screen time they allow their kids to have – this could be a way of targeting parents to reach the younger population. It may be beneficial to look into using open innovation to explore ideas on what is important to parent for the development of a kid – perhaps adding a educational aspect to the Lego experience.

Also, it would be interesting if kids would be able to send in drawings of the sort of structures they would like to see Lego come out with – or perhaps collaborate with other kids digitally through a sort of Lego network to have a structure come to life.

This is a very interesting use of supervised machine-learning in screening social media! I wonder how effective this technology will be though in eradicating cyber-bullying. My sense is that bullies will always try to find new ways of taunting their peers through social media and there aren’t enough consequences in place for bullies to stop this type of behaviour. Moreover, it also can become very subjective as to what is considered “bullying” and what is not, especially to a machine or person behind a machine that does know the relevant parties. How can they be sure it is not just two friends creating friendly banter vs. something more serious?

This is a very interesting topic! What I found most appealing about the idea of 3D-printing food is the ability to reduce waste. Currently, 1/3 of all the food produced around the world is wasted. If were able to get to near 0% food waste, this could have significant implications through the more sustainable use of raw ingredients and ability to feed our exponentially growing population.

One concern I have with transitioning 3D printers into a household item is the resistance it may have from consumers. It seems this type of product may have a steep learning curve that can detract consumers and also, deter away from the enjoyable, family-oriented “cooking experience”.

This was a very informative and great article! One competitive advantage I see that Nordstrom has over online retailers such as Amazon is the ability to provide a personal customer experience and direct relationship with customers – an advantage that can potentially be diluted as they shift towards more online sales. On this note, it is relevant to consider how sales employees can touch base with their key customers intimately through various point of sales (online, within the store) and offer specialised products that don’t necessarily cater to a segment of similar customers but individualised to one customer. How can customers trust that their key points of contact at a Nordstrom store to know exactly what they want and that there is still a personalised / authentic touch?