A Good Disruption: Redefining Growth in the Twenty-First Century

Description

A Good Disruption describes how disruptive technology can be used to combat the economic challenges of our age and sets out an inspirational vision of a more effective and sustainable growth model. Disruptive technology is one of the defining economic trends of our age, transforming one major industry after another. But what is the true impact of such disruption on the world's economies, and does it really have the potential to solve global problems such as low growth, inequality and environmental degradation? The provocative answer is that such disruption could indeed solve many of these issues, but that it won't... at least, not on its current trajectory. A Good Disruption highlights some of the huge costs that are at stake, and argues that managing such disruption will be the defining business challenge of the next decade. In order for us to meet that challenge, the book sets out a bold and inspirational vision for a more robust and sustainable economic model. Rich in relevant case studies, and incorporating industry examples from around the world, A Good Disruption accomplishes the remarkable feat of synthesizing key contemporary trends into a coherent world view of how to seize the potential of our collective futures. This is essential reading for policy makers, politicians, business executives and social scientists, as well as anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the impact of disruptive technology and how it can be transformed into a major force for the global good.

Martin R. Stuchtey is founder and managing partner of SystemiQ Ltd, a specialist for large-scale environmental programs. Previously, he worked at McKinsey in various leadership positions, most recently as Director of the Center for Business & Environment. He is a strategic advisor to the World Economic Forum and a professor for resource strategies. Per-Anders Enkvist was a consultant with McKinsey for 15 years, for the last seven of which he was a partner in its sustainability practice. He was the global leader of McKinsey's work on climate change and a co-leader of its work on the circular economy. Per-Anders recently founded his own consultancy, Material Economics. After 10 years as a senior partner at McKinsey, Klaus Zumwinkel became CEO of Germany's largest mail order group, and subsequently of the German postal service, now Deutsche Post DHL. He has also served on numerous boards, including Lufthansa, Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Telekom.

A Good Disruption convincingly argues that, to reconcile growth, planetary boundaries and human wellbeing, we have to step into the engine room of our industrial system and make it net positive by design. The good news is that this is no longer a dream - but a choice. A choice we must make. -- Paul Polman * CEO, Unilever * An essential eye-opening book for the urgently-needed paradigm shift away from the depleting economic models of today, and towards a more positive dynamic for the economy, natural resources and people. -- Antoine Frerot * Chairman and CEO, Veolia * A must-read for all who want to change this world for the better. -- Dr. Jurgen Hambrecht * Chairman of the Supervisory Board, BASF * Inspired and inspirational ... in its portrayal of what we can do and create if we anticipate, think, design and organize. It is beautifully written by those who know how to deliver as well as how to analyse. It is a tremendous achievement. -- Nicholas Stern * IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics and President of the British Academy * A Good Disruption makes a compelling case for redefining economic prosperity, unlocking creativity and kickstarting regenerative cycles in the digital age. -- Ellen MacArthur * Founder, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation * This well-written book should be read by anyone who wants a prosperous and environmentally sustainable world. -- Adair Turner A Good Disruption is the best reading for helping us to fix a broken compass. -- Janez Potocnik * Co-chair UNEP International Resource Panel * This book is both thought-provoking and challenging, and should be read by every business leader and politician. -- John Allan * Chair of London First, Tesco and Barratt Developments * The authors provide guidance on how we could harness current changes to create more sustainable growth and a more inclusive society. An inspiring read. -- Dr. Nikolaus von Bomhard * CEO of Munich Re * Makes a compelling case for the new models of production and consumption we must surely develop. -- Matthew Taylor * Chief Executive, RSA * What is actually often seen as a threat, the authors turn into something positive: Modern, disruptive technologies as a viable solution to the major challenges of the future and a much more sustainable economy. This engaging perspective on future growth is quite surprising, very knowledgeable, and above all well told with a lot of case studies and insightful examples from around the world. My clear recommendation for this inspiring view - you will read this book with great profit! -- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Reitzle * Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Linde AG and of Continental AG * This book will most likely transform each and every reader. -- Anders Wijkman * Co-president of the Club of Rome *