Six Billion Minds: Managing Outsourcing in the Global Knowledge Economy

This publication of the BTM Institute – Six Billion Minds: Managing Outsourcing in the Global Knowledge Economy – is a wake-up call to global leaders. A collaboration among the most accomplished academics and global leaders (over 60 top international figures), this book examines management challenges and innovation opportunities in light of the profound impact of globalization and the emergence of the knowledge economy. It shows how to build excellence by leveraging the vast global knowledge pool of the “six billion minds” that make up the emerging knowledge economy, which is driven by the convergence of business and technology. Globalization is leaving a lasting impression. While not perfect, globalization has been extremely successful for the world economy. It has created millions of jobs, raised millions out of poverty and improved the quality of life in countries that once were considered incapable of contributing to the world economy. Instead of debating its merits, we could better spend our time learning how to thrive in it, rather than letting ourselves get trampled by it. It is the role of Six Billion Minds to be a “field guide to globalization.” What is new today is summed up in the team “knowledge economy.” We believe that Global Outsourcing = Knowledge Economy. And this economy is about discovering and harnessing the knowledge that can spring forth from any mind, anywhere. Six Billion Minds examines the seismic shifts that threaten to engulf long-dominant nations like the United States, whose world leadership in innovation is now being rivaled. This book tackles the subject with great insights and blunt realities from the business leaders pioneering and setting the pace of global outsourcing as the next big element of the knowledge economy. This economy is about innovation and global outsourcing competitiveness. And sustainable innovation requires a seamless, structured management approach that begins with board and CEO-level issues and connects all the way through technology investment and implementation. The authors have interviewed the most accomplished business leaders in the world and included not only methods, processes, and practical tips, but also human stories of success and survival – creating this unique exploration of the global knowledge economy. About the Authors: Mark Minevich is executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Enamics, Inc., and co-chair of the BTM Institute - The Michael Nobel Harriet Fulbright Institute of Business Technology Management. A former IBM executive, he is an internationally recognized authority on globalization and outsourcing. He is a recipient of the Albert Einstein Award and author of The CTO Handbook: The Indispensable Technology Leadership Resource. Frank-Jürgen Richter is president of Horasis: The Global Visions Community, which advises corporate leaders in Asia, Europe and North America, and a member of the BTM Institute. He is a former director for Asian affairs of the World Economic Forum, and is considered one of the leading analysts of international business and Asian economies. His publications include Global Future, Asia's New Crisis and Recreating Asia. Faisal Hoque is chairman and CEO of Enamics, Inc., founder and chair of The BTM Institute - The Michael Nobel Harriet Fulbright Institute of Business Technology Management, and lead author of Winning the 3-Legged Race: When Business and Technology Run Together. A former senior executive at several multi-nationals, Mr. Hoque is an internationally known entrepreneur and lectures globally on the need for managing business and technology together.