More innovative thinking

HAVE YOU INVENTED ANYTHING LATELY? No, I didn't think you would have done. The old saying that there aren't many new things under the sun is as true in industrial networking as anywhere else. But when it comes to application, the way you actually put an invention - usually somebody else's - to use is something different. While there may not be may inventors around, we do have a seemingly inexhaustible supply of innovators. Wherever somebody is doing a job which requires some skill, and they question what they are doing and try to find a better way of doing it, that's the beginning of innovation.

We've got lots, but we need more. And we need companies large and small to have a framework for innovation in their industries. That doesn't mean giving people a free hand to solve problems in an uncontrolled way, but rather nurturing a culture where people's ideas are valued and have an outlet. The worst possible situation for an engineer to be in is where he's told he can't solve a problem in a particular way because it's against procedures, or it's not the company way - even if it's right.

So Industrial Networking and Open Control wants to encourage innovation, and innovative thinking. This is particularly valuable to all those industries that use networking, because some of the best ideas come from those closest to any particular task. Working with your clients, working with your suppliers, working with your customers or working with your colleagues, you can always find out what their worries are and help them take a lateral step to finding an answer. And by basing that on your own skill-set you're being an innovator, finding a novel solution to a well-known problem.

And if you believe in something strongly, or have a strong opinion on some relevant subject, then talk to us. This magazine's comment columns really are there for people to air their views and thoughts, whether on a new move in the marketplace or on something general about the philosophy of developing products. Comment columns are vacant soapboxes waiting for an orator.

Meanwhile, the world is getting on with things after the events of September 11th. Interestingly there is a conference in London from December 9-11 at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre in London. The worldwide Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat is organising a summit conference on 'Buildings for the 21st Century' where papers will be presented to participants from 25 countries on many aspects of building and using tall and mid-size buildings around the world. Technology and systems integration is an important part of this for the future.

Last month's Building Supplement was very well received - we've had responses from around the world for both products and feature articles. We see it as important that we maintain our coverage of networking in the building industry, so next year, at the very least, we are planning two Building Supplements, in April and November.

Next February's show Industrial Networks - for Fieldbus & Open Systems, at the NEC in Birmingham, UK (February 13 and 14), is also progressing well, with almost all the stands taken. There is also going to be a full programme of seminar speakers plus the demonstration area, so if you want to exhibit or visit, get in touch with us through the website or email us.

Use feedback to let us know your views: It couldn't be easier.

Geoff Lock
Editor