Ian Burbidge.

Writer.

Thinking out loud…

  • On being a systems entrepreneur

    How do we move forward in an uncertain world? A systems entrepreneur recognises that whatever their interests and various areas of expertise, they are moving forward into an unknown world.… Read more

  • On the need for longer-term thinking

    The rate of change in the world and the degree of uncertainty has amplified immeasurably over recent times. We find our operating systems suspended, decoupled or in flux. New modes… Read more

  • On local government in Covid19

    Despite a decade of financial emasculation, Local Government has stepped up in the wake of Covid19. Those of us who have ever worked in local government never doubted it would,… Read more

  • On why less is often more

    The challenges of working productively from home are especially acute during Covid19. What might we do to enable us to work more effectively? What is working from home doing for… Read more

  • On improving health outcomes

    The RSA’s Inclusive Growth Commission, reporting in 2018, recognised the role that poor health can play in contributing to the key challenges of unequal economic growth and poor productivity. Data… Read more

  • On levelling up (part 2)

    This blog is an initial response to the recent publication ‘Levelling up our communities: a new social covenant’ by Danny Kruger MP. Let me start by saying that, on the… Read more

  • On existing at different speeds

    “Civilisations with long nows look after things better. In those places you feel a very strong but flexible structure which is built to absorb shocks and in fact incorporate them.”  Brian… Read more

  • On a stitch in time

    I co-authored a report into the value of foresight and futures and provide here my introduction to that work. We set out on a research journey to write a provocation… Read more

  • On the need for community ‘truth and reconciliation’ conversations

    Local conversations could help communities make sense of the impact of Covid19 as it continues to unfold, could unlock local learning, knowledge and assets, and support what will inevitably be… Read more

  • On culture as an emergent property of a complex system

    Do we really need to align our organisation around values, beliefs and purpose? This is a core question I am sitting with. It occurs to me that if everyone aligns… Read more

  • On creating the conditions for innovation

    It’s a recurring theme, that of thinking about the journey to radical innovation in the public sector. It’s one thing to say that innovation occurs within your organisation yet the… Read more

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