The focus of Globe Forum on the Irish Diaspora is supported by a number of efforts focused on using the Irish experience as a way forward for “Transnational Knowledge transfer through Diaspora Networks.” (UNESCO).

The actual definition of Diaspora is an interesting one. Diaspora is the Greek word for the ‘scattering or sowing of seeds.’ It refers to any people or ethnic population forced or induced to leave their traditional ethnic homelands, being dispersed throughout other parts of the world, and the ensuing developments in their dispersal and culture (Mahroum et al 2006).

The origins of the Irish Diaspora, as you probably well know is rooted in tragedy and catastrophe. It includes the millions of Irish Refugees who fled from Ireland to escape the potato famine and the associated political oppression.  In recent years, Ireland has experienced a cultural renaissance and (until the recent economic crisis) exceptional economic performance that helped to pull Ireland into the 21st Century as Ireland positioned itself as a hub for the headquarters of multinational corporations while encouraging the return of the overseas Irish with free education and an openness to leverage the skills and experience of those millions of citizens that had moved away from their beloved homeland.

Many of these visionary policies can be attributed charismatic former Irish President, Mary Robinson who, in the 1990s began speaking in glowing terms of the Irish Diaspora and incentivizing their return through intelligent and innovative policy-making. This reversal of ‘Brain Drain’ has been coined ‘Brain Gain’ and is a complex process. Here is a short video on ‘Tapping the Irish Diaspora’

Ireland has suffered through the collapse of its housing market and dismal economic performance but is now re-envisioning its future and looking at new ways to make the most of Irish innovation both within Ireland and by reaching out via international partnerships to members of its diaspora in far-flung countries from the U.S. to New Zealand and Australia. Globe Forum in Dublin will no doubt contribute to this process by bringing together talented individuals and organisations in the spirit of open innovation and ‘crowdsourced’ solutions.

Some of the session highlights from the event are the following;

- Cities as Innovation Ecosystems:

This session will look at case studies of Smart, Open, Green cities. It will look at urbanisation as a driving force of sustainability

- Movement and Connection; Realising Innovation:

This session looks at the evolution of transport systems towards sustainability and asks the question, what might a sustainable transport system look like in 20 years or so?

- The Biomass Revolution

This session focuses on experts and innovators exploring the potential of biomass to drive an energy revolution and address the shortcomings of first generation biofuels. Algae, agricultural waste products, and other experimental sources are part of this equation.

For full details of all the sessions and to keep tabs on the event as it evolves and comes together, head over to the globe forum page here; http://bit.ly/aDkyYh

As we move closer to Globe Forum Dublin, I will be blogging about the individuals that will share their experiences and expertise on open innovation and related topics in a country that is home to a talented diaspora ready to contribute to defining Ireland’s future as a key player in sustainable innovation.

Soon, I will bring you all something special from an expert on the Irish Diaspora, stay tuned…..

Chief Lyons started by pinning down what it takes to be successful in new sustainable businesses:

“It takes a lot of courage and dedication and once the hurrah is over it is all about the grit to see it through that is what matters.”

Chief Lyons then went on to shed light on other projects in the pipeline including ‘Plant a phone’, which is about turning cell phone towers into lush green areas and ‘Plant a car’ which is a research project investigating running cars on wood pellets which involves a bio-digester small enough to fit inside a car, pretty amazing, creative and out-of-the-box innovation. Chief Lyons did not mince words and made a strong call to action:

“Oil is over, if you don’t start making changes now, you will be caught flat-footed” and “Business as usual is over now, now it is cooperation not competition”

Chief Lyons was asked by Patrick Dixon, in 20 years time, what will people be discussing with respect to the earth and the journey towards sustainability.

“Two paths; if we are collectively innovative and work together and cooperate, and we prepare for immigration problems, food and water shortages and prepare for it now, we can meet the problem, if we don’t then….”

Chief Lyons also framed the urgency of the environmental challenges we face by pointing out that there is too much discussion around negotiating with nature and coming up with a compromise;

“You know who is going to win the debate, nature is going to win the debate, the question is how we respond to the demands of nature.”

A key issue that was raised is that new business models for sustainability require a different approach to achieving success; they must be fundamentally about clever partnerships, unexpected connections and a commitment to work together  to achieve a common purpose and of course reap the huge economic benefits that can come from doing so;

“Collective thinking is crucial for solving future sustainability challenges.”

Plantagon, a Swedish company owned by the Onondaga Nation of the United States of America really points to collaborative business models for the future that do not separate but genuinely integrate economic, social environmental and even spiritual dimensions to create true synergies.

In a fitting conclusion to Globe Forum 2010, Patrick asked Oren about his legacy for the future and Oren responded with the following:

“By future generations…I want to be known as the one that tried as hard as possible to ensure that life is as good in seven generations as it is for those alive now.”

This is not just idle words. As part of the commercial ventures set up by the Onondaga nation, 10% goes towards ensuring a desirable future for those alive in seven generations. This is supported by an innovative ‘futures contract’ system where investors and individuals can buy a stake in the future of humanity, a true legacy investment. This goes back to the heart of Native American philosophy in which notions of intergenerational equity and sustainability are deeply ingrained but as Chief Lyons aptly pointed out;

“This is an effort to teach people that they can do things differently and that 10% for future generations is good business.”

So with that remarkable piece of wisdom, I shall conclude and hope that you have been inspired as I have by Chief Oren Lyons to do things differently and always think about the legacy you will leave for those alive seven generations down the line.

This echoes Dennis Pamlin’s point about how important it is to actually be able to quantify positive action, which is partly what this circle resort project is all about, taking action to drive sustainable innovation. Some suggestions were made on how to improve the process for next time. To make it better, it could be prepared more, so potential solutions providers can develop their proposals ahead of the conference. It was pointed out that, this is only the start, the crowd sourcing Globe Forum platform is a way to ensure a continual process and an ongoing contribution of ideas.

Many of the things that were presented over the two days were remarkably clear and simple ideas and not all that expensive, particularly in the water and waste treatment space. This begs the question; why is this not being done everywhere?

It is clear that the next step is to ensure that WWP develops clear guidelines to encourage even more ideas to be sent in and in order to advance those solutions that have already been submitted that accurately match the needs of the project. Finally, if you have an idea email it directly to challenge@globeforum.com and get directly involved in the Globe Forum Platform, if you are not involved already!

The project team, has just had the path to a solution laid out in front of them and will be collaborating with Giovanni Fili, Chairman and CEO of Dive Resorts. Giovanni and his company are currently in the process of constructing a sustainable resort in Norway which aims to achieve the same goals. It too has worked very carefully to be sensitive to the needs and planning processes of their local Norwegian municipality. I spoke with Giovanni and got his take on what it takes to develop an ecologically-minded golf course.

He pointed out that there are available technologies out there to make a more environmentally friendly golf course, water is the key to doing so. This includes thinking about precipitation, ground water and irrigation. This must be a consideration during both construction and operation. During Construction; it is important to create temporary canals to prevent erosion of topsoil and direct the water to where you want it to minimise runoff and wastage. They even employed a Geologist/Hydrologist to get scientific advice on where to place irrigation ponds to optimise water flow and use.

During operation, the two really important issues related to water is drainage and irrigation. It is possible to use a tank system connected to a network of pumps to circulate water around the course. Clearly the pumps need to be the best available, both highly energy efficient and powered by renewables. Getting as much water as possible from tanks located nearby to the course also helps to increase the environmentally-friendly credentials of the golf course.

In terms of irrigation, the course in Norway will use precisely targeted drip irrigation systems to ensure that as little water as possible is wasted in the process. In the Norway development, they have invested in extra control points at selected greens so as to be able to test water nutrient contents on a regular basis Giovanni made the point that water is both your enemy and your best friend on a golf course and that if you really want to be ecological you have to be prepared to invest in the best technology available as it is also the most sustainable.

In addition, the Norway course aims to enhance biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services in surrounding areas that are not greens or fairways. They are building on what was farmland and have tracked down records from the municipality of native vegetation that grew in the area 100 years ago and they will re-vegetate using a diversity of native species, this will have a positive ecological impact and ensure that the golf course supports the natural system rather than sucking the life out of it.

Finally, it almost goes without saying that you use battery powered golf carts, electric tractors and eco-friendly herbicides and fungicides….what a great partner for the Oskarshamn Circle Resort Project!

Eric Drexler from Nanorex began by re-emphasizing the challenge that humanity faces from climate change particularly emphasizing the immense persistence of CO₂ Atoms. Averting catastrophic change will require the bleeding edge innovation and entirely new ways of making things promised by the Nanotech evangelists.

Nano materials, although intriguing is not the operation of (very) small machines which is what Eric is talking about. Just to clarify, the Nano small car produced by TATA of India does NOT count as Nanotechnology, it is small but not small enough. No, Nanotech refers to the combination of Molecular machinery with factory style organisation a la Henry Ford.

“The ‘APM’ revolution (atomically precise control) is based on discrete atoms, small high-frequency devices and programmable control with the result of the ability to create material products.”

It is clear that the molecular sciences have come a very long way leading to the ability to create genuinely complex structures and machines at a nano-level. We are not there yet though…Actually creating the APM revolution will require: Engineering Design, a focus on capabilities and the deployment of the platforms that will create the material outputs of the nano-manufacturing process.

It was nice to hear that a systems-approach is needed to make nano-tech a reality as understanding sustainability frontiers and the transformation towards a sustainable future will require an understanding of complex systems and the interactions between all the different actors, organisations and initiatives involved.

Although I want to believe Eric when he states that Nano-tech is largely safe and that environmental and health risks can be avoided IF people make the right decisions and regulatory oversight is adequate I am not entirely convinced. Needless to say nano-tech needs to be monitored very closely to prevent a potential disaster involving little machines eating molecules that we would really rather they did not eat!

“when you look at traditional way of treating water that costs 60mil SEK, using this simple technology, you can save 55million SEK”

This is just one awesome solution to the water challenge that the Circle resort is facing. Need Architects, Designers and Builders of eco-homes. Have a great idea and have not shared it yet? Email the project team at; challenge@globalforum.com

These solutions where really quite futuristic, almost sci-fi…

• The first was a water purification solution that uses a hi-tec membrane and an osmosis process to remove undesirables from the water.
• The next solution is from a company called Stena Metall, one of Sweden’s largest recycling company. Their solution focuses on an automatic collection and sorting system for garbage that uses a network of tubes to suck up and take the waste away. This is cool but one would have to be careful not to confuse the water slide at the park with the garbage tube…
• Even more intriguing, particularly from a product life-cycle (following the cradle to cradle philosophy) perspective is the fact that Stena offers a building recycling solutions. this offers the potential for the Circle resort to have zero impact over the course of its existence and leaving Oskarshamn more pristine than when it was constucted.
• The final solution is one that I found hard to believe but I assure you it is a reality. It is a company that has created tiny turbines that sit inside your faucet (bathroom taps) and generate electricity. Pretty cool no?

The project team is really positive about the progress so far and for the second day of the challenge they will be focusing on drawing even more on the amazing resource that is the Forum delegates. They have prepared a set of five questions that they hope to be answered by delegates along with drawing all those awesome ideas and contacts from those in attendance. I am quite intrigued to see how it goes and will be there to bring you the developments as they happen.

Here are the 48hr challenge questions that will be presented to the delegates:

• Which companies can provide sustainable transportation? Who should we contact
• How do you create an ecological golf course that supports and enhances biodiversity and other ecosystem services?
• Where and how should we find the best houses? Who are the best builders of holiday houses that you know of? How do we contact them
• Which funds and financial instruments/mechanisms/organisations could support or take part in this Circle Resort project?
• How do we take this crowd-sourced solutions approach forward? How do we keep the momentum going?

TheGreenMerrie Signing off.

They embarked on the ambitious task of creating a factory to create green and climate friendly apparel that supports the education and livelihoods of those local Sri Lankans that live there (within 25km of the factory). The kicker of course is that Marks & Spencers , a key client, were not willing to pay any more for the clothes. So, MAS took a broad and integrated approach and focused on cost efficiencies to ensure that the factory could compete on price while also focusing on the personal development, wellbeing and education of the workforce. This new factory employs 1050 local Sri Lankans for wages three times higher than the minimum wage and each employee has their own career development plan.

It is a very interesting challenge for an ethical apparel manufacturer that does not have a direct relationship to the consumer and has to deal with retailers who are not or were not willing to alter their prices for more ethical, sustainable apparel. What I find absolutely fascinating is that MAS Intimates, whose key clients include true giants such as Marks & Spencers and Victoria’s Secret, is evidence of a changing world, a world where those countries that were expected to provide lowest priced labour, big manufacturing capacity and low cost has changed. Now MAS intimates, in addition to manufacturing their products at a highly competitive price (in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible) also add value in terms of product design and research and development.

This value added strategy and development trajectory of MAS echoes the changes seen in the Indian IT outsourcing Industry. Maybe this is the beginning of a fundamental rebalancing in the global economy towards a world that is more equal and equitable. Maybe, on this model there will no longer be a place in the world that firms can flee to for rock-bottom labour prices while practicing social and environmental practices. Congratulations to MAS Intimates and may you conquer the world!

The stars and rising stars of business and sustainability met and networked at The Baltic Philharmonia which took place at the spectacularly renovated waterfront in Gdańsk.  See pictures of the forum sessions, exciting Innovators Contest, the dazzling entertainment and the fabulous Globe Award Gala dinner.

Photos From Gdańsk

If you attended, it was a pleasure to meet you!  We hope you found inspiring new contacts and future business ideas.  If you couldn’t join us, then we look forward to seeing you soon at our next Forum in Stockholm.

Of the recent developments in energy production the harnessing of wind power has been quite a divisive one. There are arguments for and against them in what sometimes seems like equal numbers. Some doubt the true effectiveness of current turbine technology. There are environmental concerns too, such as danger to wildlife and some who simply think they ruin natural landscapes. Unfortunately the sites of many wind farms just so happen to be in areas of beautiful nature. Exposed coastlines and hilltops are regularly prime locations when planning where these should occur.

There are moves to target more offshore locations. However, as construction costs vastly increase away from dry land the scale of these projects is called jeopardised. Firms also face the wrath of the shipping and fishing industries for encroaching on shipping lanes and open waters!

In the UK, for example, there are plans to modernise its electricity supply which would require 15,000 turbines, generating 35 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, on land and at sea. Many experts say it is technically feasible to meet the targets, but there is a growing conviction that the plans were rushed through so quickly by the government that it will now take substantial new money and guarantees to work.

International pressure on governments grows to find cleaner sources of energy for our homes and industries. Are the governments providing enough incentives to technology firms involved? Politicians who ‘talk the talk’ need to ‘walk the walk’. Many are extremely vocal about supporting green energy such as wind power but surely there should be better support far beyond simply advocating their benefits.

In a wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight in the UK, due to be closed, workers are staging a sit-in and are clearly not getting the support they need! The company’s Danish owner claims there is a lack of demand. They also cited a “lack of political initiatives” and an obstructive planning system.

When technology exists for reducing our reliance on coal, gas and other non-renewable sources, we should give it the funding it deserves. Nurturing the cleanest solutions now can only be beneficial in the long run. It is the only way future developments can occur. Who knows, the wind and water power we consider today will be replaced with less controversial options, but time is of the essence.