Until 5 years ago, traditional players such as Nokia, Ericsson,and Motorola had dominated the mobile phone industry for over 20 years. Today the hottest phones are by Apple and Samsung/Google (Android), and the earlier players are fighting for relevance and -- in some cases -- their very existence.
Nokia, et. al. were disrupted.
Not all innovation or industry renewal takes place at such a pace. However, it seems that Aerospace and Defense could be facing such a shift -- and almost as fast -- whether motivated by an impending reduction in the defense budget or propelled by the need to address new threats.
Innovation can help us deal with this shift. On Thursday, September 27, 2012, join Wharton Aerospace & Technology West as we discuss innovation, where it plays a role in our industry, and what paradigm shifts we need to take on so that we remain competitive. We will bring together thought leaders, industry executives, investors, and government policy makers to focus on the role of innovation in our industry sectors and keeping us competitive, particularly as we progress through an environment of diminishing resources.
We will address the following key topics:
- The basic building blocks for fostering and improving innovation within our companies and organizations. New business models and innovative partnering strategies.
- The role that Government can and should play.
- Opportunities for Human Capital Strategy to drive innovation.
- Potential strategies to advance our competitiveness, especially in this global economy where China can be both a military rival and a commercial partner?
Morning Key Note: Mr. Steve Blank
Luncheon Address: Mr Scott Seymour, CEO, Aerojet
Afternoon Key Note: Mr Ken Minihan (Paladin Capital)
Other Speakers/Panelists: Dr Reginald Brothers, OSD; Mr Tom Guthrie, CEO Twisted Pair, John Jolly, GM/SVP GDAIS-Cyber Systems Division; Mr. Robert Ames, In-Q-Tel; Torch Hill Partners, Mr Steve Grundman, George Lund Fellow; David Van Buren, SVP L3COM; Mr. Ron Peglar, CTO, EMC; Brad Rotter, CEO, Air Patrol.
Register Online Date: Thursday, September 27th, 7:30am - 6:30pm
Location: Wharton San Francisco, Hills Bros Bldg,
2 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Cost: $150. Registration for this event is limited, and we do expect to sell out. If you plan to attend, please reserve your slots as early as possible.
Cancellations after 4:00pm Friday, September 14 at the discretion of Wharton Aerospace & Technology West and are subject to a $25 processing fee.
Questions, please contact Ellen Chang (
ellen.chang.wg98@wharton.upenn.edu); 858 864 2512
Keynotes:
Mr. Steve Blank Steve Blank is a Silicon Valley-based retired serial entrepreneur, founding and/or part of 8 startup companies in California’s Silicon Valley. A prolific educator, thought leader and writer on Customer Development for Startups, Blank teaches, refines, writes and blogs on “Customer Development,” a rigorous methodology he developed to bring the “scientific method” to the typically chaotic, seemingly disorganized startup process.
Now teaching Entrepreneurship at three major Universities and the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps), Blank co-founded his first of eight startups after several years repairing fighter plane electronics in Thailand during the Vietnam War, followed by several years of defense electronics work for U.S. intelligence agencies in “undisclosed locations.”
Blank's first book, "The Four Steps to the Epiphany," detailed the Customer Development process and remains required reading among entrepreneurs, investors, and established companies alike, when the focus is optimizing a startup’s chances for scalability and success. Blank views entrepreneurship as a practice that can be managed rather than purely an art form to be experienced.
"The Startup Owner’s Manual" was Blank's second book and is a step-by-step guide to building a successful startup, offering practical advice for any startup founder, entrepreneur, investor or educator.
His Customer Development methodology launched the lean startup movement. It is rooted on startups "getting out of the building," talking to customers and using that feedback to develop and refine their product.
In 2009, he earned the Stanford University Undergraduate Teaching Award in Management Science and Engineering. The same year, The San Jose Mercury News listed him as one of the 10 Influencers in Silicon Valley. In 2010, he was earned the Earl F. Cheit Outstanding Teaching Award at U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business.
In January 2011, he launched a new class at Stanford University, The Lean LaunchPad. It teaches aspiring entrepreneurs all aspects of building a business, including business model design, customer and agile development, and design thinking. In July 2011, the National Science Foundation adopted the Lean Launchpad as the curriculum for its Innovation-Corps, an incubator for 100 science and engineering teams each year.
Mr. Ken MinihanLieutenant General Ken Minihan is a Managing Director at Paladin Capital. He retired from the U.S. Air Force on June 1, 1999, after more than 33 years of active commissioned service to the nation. On his final tour of duty he served as the 14th Director of the National Security Agency/Central Security Service, a combat support agency of the Department of Defense with military and civilian personnel stationed worldwide. As Director, he was the senior uniformed intelligence officer in the Department of Defense. He has also served as the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He has over thirty years experience in national, defense and military information services, information technology development and diverse customer support services.
Lieutenant General Ken Minihan has vast experience in large complex global and national information operations, information technology deployment, and customer requirement satisfaction. While the Director of NSA, he helped conceive and provide strategic direction to the National Information Assurance Program. He also created strategic approaches and development concepts for emerging telecommunications technology while redesigning core business skills and efficient operations. He has the unique ability to integrate complex programs and business operations allowing the organization to focus on cost and schedule goals.
Lieutenant General Ken Minihan has a Baccalaureate Degree from Florida State University, a Masters Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, and has completed executive development programs at the University of Illinois and Harvard University. Among his awards and decorations are the National Security Medal, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal.
