Challenging communities to create A new system between sectors for a cleaner future
Climate issues require a systems approach; and although companies are making progress in their internal plans and processes, gaps exist between and within sectors, providing ample opportunities for the innovation economy to lead the way.
We host a series of retreats which create new network connections among the attendees by working through our mutual uncertainties and risks to produce thought-pieces that connect systemic problems with bite-sized solutions.
Such unaddressed gaps can create jobs, spur new product innovations, support local economic development and exemplify global leadership in a climate-resilient future.
The WHAT IF? SANDBOX results in your PERFECT QUESTION
• Broad enough for diverse stakeholders to provide input
• Narrow enough that it is clear the expertise required to address the question
• An elegant framework that your team can further refine to address complex issues
I was very happy to participate in the "What If, Sandbox" retreat as it focused the group on ensuring we ask the right questions before moving on to possible solutions. I also met and worked with very interesting people whom I otherwise would probably have never had the opportunity to interact with. The group dynamics was one of the highlights of the experience for me.
— Brandon Lee, Consul General of Canada to Pacific Northwest
Meet our Advisory Board
Our advisory board facilitates the discussion forums to help you hone your perfect question.
The Why Not? Report - From the June 2020 Online Workshop
The June 2020 Online Workshop on Climate Change convened a diverse group of stakeholders around four focal questions in the search of mutual actions. The Why Not Report uses the Problems with Solutions format, where each problem statement is paired with proposed solutions. Readers are encouraged to refine the problem and solution pairings rather than each individually.
The Why Not? Report - of the 2018 Innovation Retreat
These notes were recorded based on the conversations held during sessions at the Cannon Beach Innovation Retreat. Scribes were instructed to write down every question that gets asked as we wanted to capture all inquiry, regardless of whether it’s seems relevant or not at the time. The notes are in a conversational style, reflective of the dialogues that were captured.
Retreat 2018 - Cannon Beach, Oregon
Innovation retreats give participants a chance to make connections with like-minded individuals across industries, sectors, and generations to apply their skills in making the world a better place. Attendees include students and alums of his program, professors and practitioners from across the USA, and serial entrepreneurs and thought leaders across the variety of industries the attendees call their professional home.
Retreat 2017 - Cannon Beach, Oregon
Join us, October 6-8, 2017 in Cannon Beach, Oregon for an eye opening, thought provoking retreat. Hosted by UW professor Alan Leong and entrepreneur Jimmy Jia, this retreat will feature students and alums, professors and practitioners, serial entrepreneurs and thought leaders across the variety of industries you call your professional home.