Expert tips on books about innovation and sustainability for summer 2019
As the summer holidays approach, many of us feel an urge for new inspiration and new perspectives. Our extensive network allows us to pass on book recommendations from some of Sweden’s leading experts in the fields that are so important to anyone working as a manager, leader or specialist. This year we turn 50 and we are taking this chance to give our anniversary themes a little extra promotion. Here are three inspirational books on innovation and sustainability for you to read as you swing in your hammock.
Wishing you a summer of inspiration, from all of us at SSE Executive Education!
AIQ : How artificial intelligence works and how we can harness its power for a better world
By: Nick Polson and James Scott
Recommended by: Frida Pemer, Assistant Researcher at the Stockholm School of Economics. Frida lectures on many of SSE Executive Education’s programs, including Accelerating Digital Transformation. She leads the international research project ‘Digitalization of Expertise’ and last spring held the webinar ‘Managing disruption in professional services’ as part of our 50th anniversary celebration.
“There is currently a lot of talk about artificial intelligence – AI. Many of us use AI every day, both at work and privately, maybe without giving it a second thought. A key question in many organizations is also how they can use AI to work smarter and more efficiently, make full use of their data, and develop new offerings and business models.
But what is AI? And how does it work? In the book ‘AIQ’, researchers Nick Polson and James Scott give readers a quick and exciting introduction to the subject by looking at a number of key people and their innovative ideas. They explain, for example, what happens when companies such as Netflix and Spotify automatically give us personal recommendations on series and music, and how that in turn builds on Abraham Wald’s work with bombers during World War II. They also discuss the opportunities and potential risks of AI.
For anyone curious about AI, I can warmly recommend AIQ – preferably alongside a book about human history, such as ‘A Little History of the World’ by E. H. Gombrich. Because if we want to understand the future, we need to understand where we are and where we come from.
Happy summer reading!”
AIQ: How artificial intelligence works and how we can harness its power for a better world by Nick Polson and James Scott, ISBN 9780593079782.
AIQ : Hur artificiell intelligens fungerar by Nick Polson and James Scott, ISBN 9789171735539. (In Swedish)
Reframing Business: When the Map Changes the Landscape
By: Richard Normann
Recommended by: Mattias Axelson, Affiliated Researcher at the Stockholm School of Economics. Mattias conducts research in innovation and business development and is involved in many of SSE Executive Education’s programs. He ran the seminar ‘Business innovation outside core’ as part of our 50th anniversary celebration.
“A book that only becomes more topical as time goes by is Richard Normann’s masterpiece from 2001 – ‘Reframing Business: When the Map Changes the Landscape’. With references to management research, culture and experiences as a consultant, he takes a deep dive into the forces that ‘reconfigure’ industries, challenge established businesses and create opportunities for those who dare to push the envelope. A book for those who want to enjoy new insights and exercise the old gray matter from their hammock…”
Reframing Business – When the Map Changes the Landscape av Richard Normann, ISBN 9780471485575.
The Real Happy Pill: Power Up Your Brain by Moving Your Body
By: Anders Hansen
Recommended by: Anders Richtnér, CEO of SSE Executive Education and Associate Professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at the Stockholm School of Economics.
“In a world where everything seems to happen here and now, or maybe needed to be done yesterday, it can be good to get some perspective. To know what really makes a difference. Something that is rooted in science and develops you as an individual, and in the long term will affect you both personally and professionally.
With a brilliantly simple writing style, Anders Hansen explains how every one of us can become more tolerant of stress, feel better, improve our memory, and even increase our creativity and intelligence.
It might sound like a magic pill or an illusion, but it really isn’t.
Anders Hansen presents a very simple solution that we can all embrace. What is it? 30 minutes of exercise. 3 times a week. It may not seem like much, but research shows that it has a hugely beneficial effect.
If you’re skeptical, or want proof, read the book to understand what mechanisms in your brain are activated during movement and how positive it is for each and every one of us. If you have a more active learning style: go out for a run right now!
Based on my own experience, I know that the results come more quickly than you might think, so take some time to invest in yourself, your health and your brain. In the long term, you’ll see that you have more meaningful relationships and that you have reserves of time and energy to do so much more.“
The Real Happy Pill: Power Up Your Brain by Moving Your Body av Anders Hansen, ISBN 9781510722989.
Hjärnstark: hur motion och träning stärker din hjärna by Anders Hansen, ISBN 9789175038452.
More time for inspiration?
SSE Executive Education has access to a fantastic network of experts and produces regular articles, guides, videos, etc. You can find these in our inspiration room.
