PUBLIC MARKS with tags company & innovation

Even in these tough times, surprising and extraordinary efforts are under way in businesses across the globe. From politics to technology, energy, and transportation; from marketing to retail, health care, and design, each company on the following pages illustrates the power and potential of innovative ideas and creative execution. These are the kinds of enterprises that will redefine our future and point the way to a better tomorrow.

If we had to bet our lives on the continued success and adaptability of any single company (...), we would place that bet on 3M. Using 3M as a blueprint for evolutionary progress at its best, here are five basic lessons (...).

1. Give it a try - and quick!
2. Accept that mistakes will be made.
3. Take small steps.
4. Give people the room they need.
5. Mechanisms--build that ticking clock