It’s been a long time since the word ‘silo’ was fashionable. It normally gets a bad rap. When we talk about collaboration then it is even more so the case. But it is important not to overdo it by assuming that silos are always a bad thing in business. Silos can be also be about protecting systems and processes. Breaking down silos is an attractive option when we look to build collaboration. However it does not mean that collaboration cannot work if some silos remain. In any case it’s worth thinking about it and not assuming anything when it comes to collaboration. Here are this week’s recommended readings.

Sincere thanks to those who have suggested articles for this edition of Roadmender Recommends.

Tech 4.0’s success needs global collaboration

Davos was slower this time. And I don’t mean the event itself but the city’s pace, thanks to multiple new levels of security checkpoints that were put into place. Traffic jams were piling up all the time and meetings were being missed because of this amplified security cover. “That’s the new world we live in,” said a CEO…READ ON

Competitive collaboration behind new mobile banking model in Peru

Peru is preparing for the launch of a nearly nationwide mobile banking system that aims to expand financial access to millions of the country’s unbanked citizens. The mobile money platform will allow users to transfer funds to friends, pay their bills and top up their phones with even the most basic of first generation cellular devices…READ ON

MIT joins collaboration to bring connected learning experiences to Indian students and teachers

Tata Trusts, a philanthropic organization that works to advance community and educational development in India, will collaborate with MIT and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to launch the Connected Learning Initiative (CLIx), a program to create new learning experiences and educational opportunities for secondary school students in India, in grades 8 through 11…READ ON

Breaking Down Collaboration Silos to Meet Customer Expectations

This post is the second in my NRF keynote preview/recap blog series featuring Q&As with Peter Sheahan. Peter is the Founder and Group CEO of the Karrikins Group, author of the new book “Matter” and joined me onstage for our NRF BIG Show keynote presentation on January 18, 2016…READ ON

The Brussels healthcare ecosystem strengthened thanks to a new collaboration

The lifetech.brussels cluster is pleased to announce the establishment of a partnership agreement with the Brussels Life Science Incubator (BLSI), life sciences incubator of the Brussels-Capital Region for entrepreneurs and companies active in the fields of biotechnology, medical devices or IT solutions for the health sector. This partnership formalizes a natural and effective collaboration of several years. Indeed, an optimal collaboration between public and private actors in contact with companies is essential to support entrepreneurship in the Brussels medical sector…READ ON