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So, if you are predominantly a producer of intangible…

“So, if you are predominantly a producer of intangible assets (writing software, doing design, producing research) you probably want to build an organization that allows information to flow, help serendipitous interactions, and keeps the key talent. That probably means allowing more autonomy, fewer…” quote by Jonathan Haskel
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““So, if you are predominantly a producer of intangible assets (writing software, doing design, producing research) you probably want to build an organization that allows information to flow, help serendipitous interactions, and keeps the key talent. That probably means allowing more autonomy, fewer targets, and more access to the boss, even if that is at the cost of influence activities. This seems to describe the types of autonomous organizations that the earlier writers, like Charles Leadbeater, had in mind. And it also seems to describe the increasing importance of systemic innovators. Such innovators are not inventors of single, isolated inventions. Rather, their role is to coordinate the synergies that successfully bring such an innovation to market.””

Jonathan Haskel

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates building organizations that prioritize information flow, autonomy, and talent retention, especially for creators of intangible assets, to foster serendipity and systemic innovation.

In simple terms: Design firms that let ideas flow and give autonomy to creative talent.

Key Takeaway

Structure orgs for fluid information and autonomy.

Themes

innovation organization talent autonomy

Mood

strategic analytical

Type

prescriptive insightful

When to use this quote

  • tech startups
  • research labs
  • design firms

Key Concepts

systemic innovation knowledge sharing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance autonomy with clear goals?
  • What metrics ensure productive serendipity?
A Different Perspective

Too much autonomy can reduce accountability and focus.

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