Innovating to Zero

Abstract

This chapter and trend is very different from all others discussed in this book. ‘Innovating to Zero’ is not a mega trend in its true sense. It is a Mega vision; it is more a concept than a real happening. It implies the desire for perfection in our society: a ‘Zero concept’ world with a vision of Zero carbon emissions, Zero crime rates, Zero accidents and carbon-neutral cities. Although this seemingly perfect world sounds almost impossible, the point is that governments and companies today are moving towards this ‘picture perfect’ vision of eliminating errors, defects and other negative externalities, and along that very journey creating for themselves huge challenges and opportunities. We might not achieve this goal in this decade or ever, in some cases, but because we humans can make this as our ultimate goal — even if we achieve half of the set objective — it will be huge progress. It will make a real difference to society.