Inflection – a time for innovation
When changes happen in the world, companies and organizations change to meet the new demands and opportunities. These inflection points in time create spaces for innovation. When we think of past leaps in technology innovation, they often occurred because of radical shifts in socioeconomic or environmental factors. Sounds like the times we are living in right now, thanks to COVID-19. Few organizations have been spared the need for change.
And CIFST is no different. Inflection brings change. And it’s up to us how we shape that change to make us better and stronger.
CIFST is coming into its 70th anniversary year. Founded in 1951, CIFST was part of the National Research Council’s movement at the end of World War II to advance the industrial sector in key industries. The War period showed the importance of food manufacturing, and food autonomy for Canada. And in that space of inflection, CIFST formed to bring knowledge sharing, networking, professional development and visibility to the role of food science in Canadian society.
And in the past year we have heard time and time again how the food manufacturing sector is an essential industry for our collective survival. Food is essential. Our food industry workforce is essential. Our innovation is essential.
As food scientists, we have an immense impact on the shape of the food industry, as we create the products that meet consumers’ needs. We solve technical problems to keep our companies strong and profitable. We also lead in workforce development through our post-secondary academic leadership, and our management leadership within food industries. This all comes through our leadership in technology and innovation.
CIFST itself is in a space of inflection. We’ve transitioned from networking meetings and Tabletop shows in conference halls, to diving straight into embracing webinars, virtual networking, and hosting the first Coast to Coast Suppliers Showcase. We’re seeing local sections host virtual plant tours, with a host walking through the plant using live streaming. The innovation is great, and only just beginning. What is next for us?
Peter Henderson, a friend to many at CIFST introduced me to the work of Rita McGrath, author of Seeing Around Corners. The key message – how do organizations take advantage of inflection to create positive change? In my own teaching practice, I often refer to the work of Russell Ackoff in idealized redesign – if you could reinvent your organization to overcome its obstacles and capitalize on new opportunities, what would the ideal organization look like?
Inflection points give us that chance to reset our path. What positive change and improved systems can come from this change that increase value for you as a member? CIFST’s strength comes from its members driving forward the initiatives that serve their members’ interests in learning, networking, mentorship and advocacy. As I enter into my term as President of CIFST, we have some initiatives we aim to continue including more virtual content for learning and networking. But I also look forward to listening to your ideas, and helping more people push forward their own initiatives to make CIFST effective for their community.
Ideas can only keep expanding if you build a community around you to let them grow. Keep sharing your ideas and motivation for new ideas so CIFST brings value to your career.
