BUSINESS COMMENTARY  

So any changes to your business operations planned for 2010?

  An interesting fact discovered in a recent study showed that two-thirds of companies maintained or increased R&D spending in 2008-09. One would think that faced with the economic downturn and all of its red ink, those same companies would hack their way through the R&D portions of their operating budgets. It again proves that those companies walk the talk as R&D spending rose 5.7% in 2008 with operating incomes falling 8.6% in that same year. Impressive and reflects a "huevos grandes" attitude! Innovation investment is viewed as essential to corporate strategy despite the media assisted (churned) downturn. "I would argue that the recession is a catalyst for increased innovation" – Adalio Sanchez – GM of IBM’s System X server business.

  Have you spent your R&D budget as it was proposed in the last 12 months – or instead removed the line from the spreadsheet? Many companies see the recession as an opportunity to build their advantage over their competitors – especially with the knowledge that the weaker ones will in fact skimp on their R&D spending. I would encourage you to give some thought to how you will drive your business in 2010 – with the knowledge and perspective you gained in 2008-09. 

EMAIL MARK

 TIRED OF THE MEDIA SPIN CYCLE? TRY A GREAT NEW WEBSITE – FOR NEWS!

  Do yourself a favour and check outThe Real News Network. With the amount of Corporate News services constantly spinning information at ever alarming rates, it’s almost impossible to separate the kernels of truth from the media circus. We have found TRNN to be a refreshing and honest change and have added the link to Our Favourite Links below. Let us know what you think.