Aric Dromi, Digitial Philosopher and Chief Futurologist at the world-renowned Volvo Car Group, has underlined the need for risk taking and a culture of creativity ahead of his conference session at this year’s EiG (30 October – 1 November, Arena Berlin) titled, ‘Overcoming barriers to innovation – Are we our own enemy?’
As one of the key experts outside of the iGaming industry speaking at EiG, Dromi will discuss his focus on the future, and its application in terms of competitive business, quantifying ROI, and customers. Ahead of his appearance he took a minute to explore the past, his inspiration and the biggest barriers standing in the way of innovation.
‘Digital philosopher and chief futurologist’ has to be one of the most interesting job titles – what’s your background and how did you arrive at this point in your career?
I have spent my adult life—and most of my childhood—engrossed imagining the future and the potentials that drive it. With atypical curiosity – I found myself sailing with Captain Nemo, escaping the ordinary into the land of wonder. By high school, I decided that the formal education system is more a pipe designed to feed the “norm” rather than a place to build up curiosity – a lesson I carried with me throughout life. As a result, I chose a path that will always challenge myself and the status-quo (therefore the troublemaker) but also be governed by a unique side effect – enabling me to look back into the present.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mainly from frustrations and imperfections. From things as they should be.
Do you think that the number of former FD’s who are now CEOs serve as a contraceptive to commercial creativity?
I think lack of imagination and incompetent serves as a contraceptive to commercial creativity. It’s not about the title but the person who carries it.
Are the biggest barriers to innovation cultural or practical?
The biggest barrier to innovation is not understanding what innovation is.
How can an organisation instill a culture of innovation: what practical steps does it need to implement?
Innovation is not a culture but a tool used by top management to monetise individual creativity. Creativity is a culture, openness, taking risks, these are all cultural elements.
What’s more important to an organisation – the quest for the ‘next big thing’ or a marginal gains strategy such as that championed by British Cycling?
They both play an important role with the organisation’s ability to scale into the future and to navigate the unknown: they need to coexist and feed off each other BUT they need to constantly evolve and grow.
Based on close co-operation with the iGaming Industry Council (iGIC), EiG’s 2017 agenda focuses on how the industry can engage with the next level of intelligence, taking advantage of new technology, products and concepts, whilst considering what this means for legacy systems. EiG’s unique platform facilitates high-level networking and learning, connecting with senior-level iGaming operators, Land-Based Casinos, Betting Shops, Lottery Operators, Social Operators, Gaming Start-ups, Regulators and Consultants.
Register at eigexpo.com in order to meet, network and share ideas with the leading gaming industry professionals expected at EiG 2017.
This article was originally published on www.betting-business.co.
