PwC talks will put innovation in the spotlight

Andy Symons will be talking about innovation. Photo / Supplied

Innovation and R&D are the focus of many corporations as digital technology continuously changes, offering new ways to connect people and audiences. For the modern business, it's innovate or perish.

New Zealand is known for innovating in technology with Rocket Lab almost ready to launch its electron rocket, and Xero's accounting software disrupting the books worldwide.

Tomorrow's PwC Herald Talks is focused on innovation.

Andy Symons, an innovation partner with PwC and speaker at the event, says keeping innovative start-ups in New Zealand is not a priority; instead, having companies succeed overseas should encourage and inspire new generations of start-ups.

"We need to make it easier for start-ups to get going, fail and get going again, in NZ, but with a global perspective."

Companies which grow overseas should be seen as a point of national pride, says Symons.

"We need to feel the same national pride that we feel for the All Blacks."

Symons has leadership and advisory experience in New Zealand and overseas. He recently completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.

He is focused on creating world-class customer experiences. He was a leader with Loyalty New Zealand (Fly Buys).

As an investor, Symons is always looking to cultivate the innovation ecosystem within New Zealand. With IceAngels he helps develop New Zealand's start-ups.

The keynote speaker, Savannah Peterson, is the founder of Savvy Millennial and formally the director of innovation strategy at Speck Design, where she helped create new consumer electronics.

Peterson was listed as a 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 in Consumer Technology. She describes herself as a "hustler and serial entrepreneur" and a "super-connector of people, resources and audiences".

She has worked as the director of global community at Shapeways, the world's largest 3D Printing community where she facilitated the establishment and growth of 25,000 3D Printing businesses.

Event

What: PwC Herald Talks - Innovation
When: Wednesday May 18, 7am
Where: SKYCITY Theatre, Level 3, 72 Victoria St West
Tickets: $89. Book at iticket.co.nz