Here's how you can keep pace with the latest trends and technologies in Business Innovation.

Keeping pace with latest trends definitely requires leaning into change: a natural curiosity to embrace new tech shifts, new approaches or generally new ideas, helps in overcoming initial barriers. Often an even cumbersome process or approach became so habitual that changing it, marks still the greater barrier. In such a case, occasionally questioning, how an own environment can be improved, prepares for being curious in actively seeking for new techniques.

Embracing change is crucial in the dynamic world of business innovation. It involves being open to new ideas, processes, and technologies that can improve efficiency and drive growth. Companies that adapt quickly to change are better positioned to stay competitive and relevant.

Thanks to different media, today it's quite easy to put together an individual set of sources to stay informed: - Newsletters, - podcasts, - webinars, - online magazines, etc. Just to name a few. However, I always advocate for "less is more" in order to ensure, that the content is actually being consumed. I personally try to limit the number of newsletters I am getting and if I can set the option to receive them only bi-weekly, even better. Usually, I take once a week time (concentrated 1h) to run through this content and distill what I deem as important or worthwhile to process further (for my own content, for presentations, for projects, etc.).

Staying informed about the latest trends, market shifts, and technological advancements is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Regularly reading industry news, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks can help you stay up-to-date.

Beside using technology and media for getting up to date in the latest trends - the exchange with other people, experts, creators and practitioners is indispensable. Humans are unique in loading the impression of a new advance with emotions and express them - this allows a multitude of facets in the valuation of how a new tech shift, a new technique, a new approach or a new practice is beneficial or detrimental. The exchange about individual experiences is indispensable to create a common sense about the utility of a new trend.

Building a strong network of contacts within and outside your industry can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and collaborations. Networking helps you gain different perspectives, find potential partners, and keep abreast of emerging trends and technologies.

Utilizing the latest technologies can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and foster innovation. Businesses should invest in tools and platforms that can automate tasks, analyze data, and improve communication and collaboration.

Most professionals in the fashion and creative industries are not technologists or innovators per se. Around 2020, with the rise of crypto art, I began to see a tremendous opportunity to leverage emerging technologies meaningfully in the creative industries. We can innovate on a business level for artists and cultural institutions, benefiting society at large. As custodians of our culture, cultural institutions struggle to keep pace with the 21st century’s cultural needs. Innovating on the business level and monetizing emerging technologies is a leading path forward.

Continuous learning and development are vital in an ever-evolving business landscape. Investing in skills through training programs, workshops, and online courses can help you and your team stay proficient in new tools and methodologies.

Encouraging experimentation allows businesses to test new ideas and approaches with minimal risk. This can lead to innovative solutions and improvements. A culture of experimentation promotes creativity and can lead to breakthroughs that give a competitive advantage.

For me, Innovation is Outlearning your competitors. Especially with emerging tech, we need to test & pilot to gain a competitive edge.

Besides the points mentioned, it’s important to consider other factors such as customer feedback, market demands, and sustainability. Understanding your customers' needs, adapting to market changes, and focusing on sustainable practices can enhance your business’s long-term success.