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Weekly MFSIG Meetings ...
Special Interest Groups (SIG)

Jan. 3, 2009

Future Studies and Special Presentations
Title: "Innovation in the 21st Century"
Guest Speaker: Jeff Janssen, Division Scientist, 3M Company
Moderator: David Keenan
Host: Bill Peter
Abstract: What processes will we use to solve the great challenges we face as a nation and as a world? In this seminar we will discuss the Innovation Process -- a process that can be used to transform wisdom into value. This value can be measured for three types of stakeholders: 1) as enhanced sales, profits or cost reductions for the corporation, 2) as an improved standard of living for the impoverished, or 3) as the creation of a sustainable energy model for the world. We further will explore the Innovation Process used by many leading corporations to generate new ideas and new businesses in a global economy. We will examine models such as the Disruptive Innovation described by Clayton Christiansen; we will briefly discuss emerging innovation tools and trends like Tris, Ninesigma, Innocentive, Inventables and the Killer Innovation Process. How will the innovation process change by 2050 with all of the new enabling tools we will have at our disposal and the emerging technological, societal and global trends?

Speaker Biography: Janssen is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in order to identify large new business opportunities in emerging markets for the Automotive Aftermarket Division of 3M. He mentors research teams designing products in Japan, India and China. Janssen has 30 years of experience at product development for the automotive, lighting industry and microelectronics industries. He is the inventor or co-inventor on over 20 patents. He teaches classes on entrepreneurship and innovation internally at 3M. He was trained as a chemist and chemical engineer at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and holds an MBA degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI.

Jan. 10, 2009

Economic/Markets SIG
Title: TBD
MNF Speaker: Jack Carter
Abstract: TBD

Jan. 17, 2009

Technology SIG
Title: TBD
Speaker: TBD
Abstract: TBD

Jan 24, 2009

Society SIG
Title: "Generational Futures"
MNF Presenter: Steve Troutman
Abstract: The "Greatest Generation, "Baby Boomers," and "Generation X" are well known generational archetypes. But this is not the first time we have seen generational cohorts behave as these three have. In this presentation, we will examine research into the repeating cycle of the last four such archetypes spanning over 80 years, and the characteristics of each. How does the generational cycle allow us to understand past behaviors and predict some possible or probable futures?

Jan. 31, 2009

Peace and Justice SIG
Title: "Soft Power: A New Foreign Policy for the U.S.?"
MNF Presenters: Roger Rydberg and Dick Saunders
Abstract: TBD

Feb. 7, 2009

Title: TBD
Presenter: TBD
Abstract: TBD

Feb. 14, 2009

Society SIG
Title: "Minnesota's Sesquecentennial Innovation"
MNF Speaker: Steve Troutman
Abstract: At the 150th year milestone, we look in part at the collaboration model evolving in Rochester, MN between industry, a private medical institution and the state. What are the objectives and the potential economic benefits? (Second of a three-part series on "Minnesota's Search for a New Economy.")objectives and the potential economic benefits? (Second of a three-part series on "Minnesota's Search for a New Economy.")

Feb. 21, 2009

Economics SIG
Title: "Some Minnesota Economic Growth Proposals for 2020"
Guest Speaker: Matt Entenza, MN 2020 Progressive Think TankModerator: Dick Saunders
Abstract: (Third in a three-part series on "Minnesota's Search for a New Economy".

For more information go to: Minnesota Futurists Wiki

For Past Meeting Information go to: July - Dec 2008

SIGs meet at:

The Knights of Columbus Hall1114 American Blvd West
Bloomington, MN (one block south of 494 and a block east of 35W).

Take the Lyndale exit from 494, go south and then west on American Blvd. See map below.