Live Entrepreneurship & 3D Value Networks: Lack of Innovation in Frozen Confections

In this continuing series, I’m having a look at how value networks can be used to shape the future of industries as well as fundamentally disrupt them. Previously we looked at 3D printing concrete and open-source construction. 

Recently I sat down with Robert Acree (of Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s, Yasso etc.) to discuss the challenges within the ice cream industry and why this industry has been lagging behind in technological developments for the last century. Yes, a century. High tooling costs, long lead times for introducing products, narrow sales channels, commoditized pricing,…are just a few of the challenges the industry faces. But like in most industries, the industry insiders take things for granted and this results in the status quo. Given this stasis, innovation has to come from outside the industry in order for anything to change.

If you care to understand what 3D printing has to do with this and how an effective value network can enhance this industry by bringing thought leaders together from various other fields for a common good, tune in through the video above.