It was the ancient Greek philosopher Plato who wrote, in the Republic that ‘necessity is the mother of all invention’. The point is that a need or problem encourages creative efforts to meet the need or solve the problem. This ancient wisdom has a place and relevance right now, particularly as the essence of Plato’s theme is oriented around 'first principle' thinking which in itself has its origin in Aristotelian thought.

First principle thinking is about focusing on our thinking, challenging it, looking at the problem first, then the technology second.

Despite this rather grand-sounding introduction, the essence of first principle thinking is very simple. Solving a problem with a solution that matches the problem. And solving problems is exactly what we need right now.

But in order to do that, we have to accept that we will have to change.

Humans, generally, do not like change. This is why we have been so freaked out by the coronavirus crisis. Rather, we crave predictability or at least a perceived version of what we accept as normal.

This is why we think that people like Edison, Jobs and Musk etc are so exceptional. Why? Well partly as we cannot fathom why they push themselves so hard to create new paradigms when they do not have to. They could surely be successful enough within the existing paradigm that we all live in! Why do they need to go out on a limb and upset the apple cart? But they solve problems, first principle problems.

In response to the crisis, in our experience, we see two broad responses, and this in itself is aligned to mindset. Not bank balance.

One is to shelter from the storm and wait it out. Surely, when the unpredictable weather subsides there may be some clarity? Maybe things will settle down, and then you might be able to move forward more comfortably?!

The second is to continue onwards, not just doing the ‘same old thing’ but instead trying new things. Seeing problems, opportunities, and adapting, experimenting and evolving. We saw this in abundance in the print sector especially during the early phase of the lockdown period.

In our opening session at the FuturePrint Virtual Summit, Dr Jonas Ridderstrale, co-author of Funky Business, delivers an excellent talk outlining that the most agile businesses freely admit to not knowing the answers, but are prepared to try, fail, try again and do so with a structure that is flat and devolved and a culture that tolerates mistakes and to some extent encourages them. And this kind of approach is essential. Now is the time to solve new problems, risk a little and innovate. Right now is the time to try new things. Never before (in my 49 yrs at least) has this been the case.

We may all indeed crave predictability, (I would argue that this was always a mirage), but now it is gone, we need to create our own paradigm by experimenting and trying things out. Only by forging our own path forward will we optimise our success in the future. It is a test for sure! But it is one which we will surely fail if we do nothing at all.

Ask yourself. What is the worst thing that could happen?

This is why Ricoh’s new ‘Ignite Innovation’ campaign is so relevant and exciting for industrial inkjet in particular. Ricoh has pulled together a new strategy for industrial printing in particular. Ignite Innovation is formally laid out by Richard Darling and Graham Kennedy in their session at next week’s FuturePrint Virtual Summit entitled, ‘First Principle: Accelerating Time to Market with Inkjet’. In this they provide a compelling case for why 'first principle' is the best method for innovation. It is a commonly held fact that often technology businesses think tech first, then problem second. And in this talk, they provide some interesting insight into where this can lead innovation down the wrong path.

What Ricoh is focused on is working with partners to develop the right technology that solves a clear problem. Ricoh’s Ignite Innovation Campaign is in itself a first principle response to the current plight the world of innovation finds itself in right now. There may be a continued commitment to innovation but clearly, there is a reduction in appetite for risk and for investment in new ideas, and in response to this Ricoh has developed a programme to help.

When times are tough it is often new ideas which get affected first.Understandably budgets are frozen and businesses tend to focus on the here and now. While that may be understandable, Ricoh believe that the lifeblood of future growth is innovation. And if we stop innovating, then we will restrict our future.

In order to bring new Inkjet technology to market, a key part of the strategy at Ricoh is to create partnerships with OEM leaders, developers and other innovators across the industry in order to provide Inkjet solutions that make a difference, that last and change the world.

Graham Kennedy explains, “Ricoh understand inkjet very well. But they want to couple this expertise and access to cutting edge technology with the ideas and track record of partners who understand there is a problem that needs solving in their particular sector whatever that may be. So by blending the best of both worlds then we optimise our chances of success.

In recognition of the tough circumstances we as an industry and world find ourselves in right now we have created a programme of financial assistance to help creative people and businesses to bring their innovative ideas to life.

For potential Ricoh partners, contacting us for the ‘Ignite Innovation’ you will place your idea further along the line of inception towards reality. How? Along with access to unrivalled expertise and experience with Inkjet, considerable tech and manufacturing support, we will also potentially fund and fuel problem solving inkjet developments.

But before anyone connects with Ricoh, it is important that you know that they believe in 'first principle' thinking. We believe by solving the right problem, value is created. So don’t think tech first, problem second. Think problem first, then tech second.”

So, if you have an idea a project for a market utilising Inkjet which has a practical place in an industries future then contact Richard Darling consideration. Remember to think problem first, tech second! This will place your idea further along its journey to reality with Ricoh.

For further information contact Richard Darling here

Book into their session on 13 October First Principle: Accelerating Time to Market with Inkjet here.

By attending the FuturePrint Virtual Summit you’ll get plenty of insight from across the world from tech leaders, innovators, designers, analysts, experts, printers, Young Guns in Print and more.

The point is that taking part may surprise you. It will inspire ideas, and our networking platform will help you to connect, and among the 124 speakers, there could be an inspiring answer waiting.

Don’t make the mistake of missing out!

We hope to see you there.