HEART 17 and the system entrepreneur - Q&A
Our insights based on questions to simplify understanding and structure.
What are we saying about the role of HEART 17?
Based on above theoretic base we can conclude that Heart 17 is a clear example of an actor choosing to activate the underused potential of Horizon 2.
Over 3 years, we have moved through all phases and we have had time to truly test the horizon 2 arena. In dialogue with science, we soon realized this is where we belonged.
By connecting actors and individuals from different backgrounds, with different perspectives to the world and what is most important, we can bridge views, bring down barriers – actively counteracting polarization.
Despite the obvious differences, we rally behind a joint cause of hope and creativity, allowing us to bridge our differences and instead focus on the common ground, opening up and allowing for conversations to happen and new meetings to take place.
Why is it important to meet people/actors with different backgrounds and views?
When different backgrounds, perspectives and worldview meet, creativity and innovative ideas are born and can flourish.
Horizon 2 therefore is an arena needed for innovation and transformation, independent on stage, size or maturity level.
Heart 17 has allowed actors to meet, learn, inspire each other and provided arenas, action and insights enabling understanding of new perspectives – a science-based method to accelerate innovation and creativity.
Bigger corporations of today are often born in a Horizon 1 world, many of them working hard to adapt and transform due to pressure from investors and consumers. Horizon 1 actors tend to use “labs” to move into Horizon 3, but the distance between the core business and the lab is often vast.
Horizon 1 actors wish things would move faster, but the everyday life and the short term prios tend to make them stick in their own Horizon/Silo.
There is therefore a need for Horizon 1 actors to zoom out together with other sectors and other stages of development, but this tend to be down-prioritized given the lack of quick ROI and traditional ROIs. Horizon 1 actors often talk about the need for transformation, but often what they refer to is adaptation. (Source: Per Olsson)
Why is it important to prioritize this horizon?
We have noticed that horizon 2 is often rushed pass. We talk about today (Horizon 1) and we talk about where we wish to end up (Horizon 3).
We immediately jump from today to tomorrow, wondering why this is so hard and why it is taking so long.
The gap is expected to happen fast, but there is no guidance on how to make the transition smoother. And there is no real awareness of that around 20% of the investment should happen here to be ready for the future.
It lies enormous potential in horizon 2 if we allow ourselves to pause, reflect and be patient.
And chooses to see that this Horizon 2 “arena” is a crucial one, worth coming back to. This is the phase where big corporations and innovative start-ups can meet, learn and listen This is where we meet cross-sectors, understanding the issues of each horizon - supporting each other instead of shaming and blaming each other.
What does it take to succeed in Horizon 2?
Trust, courage, a non-partisan position, patience, grit and a not-giving-up attitude, mixed with long-term funding. We need to have the courage to face differences and the courage to invest time for this to happen.
It is not always easy and it is not always comfortable, but very few important things are easy.
We need to dare go back and forth into this magic box allowing us to move outside our comfort zones and everyday tasks. This is when the magic happens. This is when new relations are born.
Why is a Horizon 2 actor even needed?
Horizon 2 is favored by facilitation of multiple actors to ensure mixed perspectives. And when everyday tasks knock on the door, that tend to get priority over more long-term tasks on how to move forward.
Horizon 2 needs an actor poking us when we tend to stick in our own silos, pushing us outside our comfort zone.
Not always business today, but innovation tomorrow.
Can Horizon 2 exist within an organization?
Yes, if the organisation has a structured innovation process in place.
Heart 17 report & Playbook
HOW THE POWER OF CROSS-SECTOR ARENAS AND A HOPEFUL NARRATIVE CAN ACCELERATE CREATIVITY AND CHANGE.
This report summarizes findings from the first chapter of the Heart 17 story – a bold idea turned into diverse and concrete actions. All leading to a science-validated model and a Playbook to support organizations with efficient transformation.
