Funky Business [antikvár]

Foreword it's november 10,1986. Snow and ice are slowly beginning to cover the kingdom of Sweden. Outside, in the cold, ordinary people leaving their offices fill the slushy streets. Meanwhile, inside the conference center, it is air-con cozy. Backstage, one of the best-known and most highly respected Swedish leaders of industry is preparing to give a speech to a large audience. As usual, he has prepared himself meticulously. Nothing must go wrong. It is critically important that the listeners understand his message - because his message is powerful, based on years and years of experience running one of the largest corporations in the country. In fact, he is in charge of one of the largest companies in the world. Not only that. He has seen the future. Indeed, some even say he is the future. Adjusting the knot on his tie, Mr President of Big Business Inc. walks on stage with the air of someone with something very important to say. He clears his throat and begins to preach: "The vast majority of industry and the vast majority of society is not built upon what is known as entrepreneurship. Companies and society are stable, routine operations. They have limited room for fantasy, but a lot of room for competence. We will produce tomorrow what we produce today, hopefully of somewhat better quality and to a somewhat lower cost. We caimot afford rapid shifts in production and we cannot make changes just because someone comes up with a new idea. If we did that our industrial might and our infrastructure would soon collapse. We need a little creativity -not a lot."^ At the end of his speech Mr President sits down. There is silence around the conference center. Seconds later, seemingly endless warm applause fills the air. A satisfied smile spreads across his face. They got the message. All's well. Adjust your seats, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. FUNKY BUSINESS FOREWORD