Peter Compo Part 2: A Primer on Adaptation and Emergence

The Innovation Show

The Emergent Approach to Strategy: Adaptation, Innovation, and Historical Insights In this episode, the focus is on Peter Compo's discussion of 'The Emergent Approach to Strategy,' specifically its application to adaptation and emergence in strategy development. The conversation explores the parallel between biological evolution and human innovation, highlighting the importance of adaptive systems in creativity and strategy. Historical examples, such as the early automotive industry led by Henry Ford and modern electric cars pioneered by Elon Musk, are used to illustrate how low-level disciplines and rules can lead to high-level strategic outcomes and industry transformations. The episode delves into the principles of complex adaptive systems, emphasizing the balance between discipline and free-thinking, and how effective strategies emerge from rigorous local actions. Peter Compo also addresses the concept of levels within organizations, stressing the significance of being attuned to low-level operations to drive innovation while avoiding becoming prisoners of past successes. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:08 The Concept of Adaptation and Emergence 03:43 Historical Examples of Adaptive Systems 07:13 Ford's Strategy and Its Evolution 10:39 The Theory of Levels in Creativity and Innovation 18:54 Connecting Levels to Strategy 27:41 Ants and Social Insects: A Case Study 31:48 Intel's Transition to CPUs 35:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Link to Peter’s website: Link to Peter’s Music: Link to Scale with Geoffrey West Part 1 of 3: Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC. Find us on Substack for Shownotes and competitions: Peter Compo, Aidan McCullen, emergent strategy, Peter Compo, adaptive systems, innovation, complex adaptive systems, business strategy, evolutionary mechanisms, creativity, Henry Ford, Tesla, Elon Musk, execution, Intel CPUs, corporate discipline, low level rules, high level outcomes, market forces, leadership insights