>> EFQM Forum 2009

DATE : 28 & 29 September 2009
LOCATION : Brussels, Belgium


The Power of a Connected World... Look to the Future.

The connected world affects the global nature of our business and certainly on our current economic environment. The theme of this year’s EFQM Forum will explore the power of the connected world and its impact on organisations and the supply chain.

Our keynote speaker will set the scene of our interactive debate and learning. Dr. James Bellini, futurist and broadcaster, provides a future outlook for business. "Whatever the turmoil and unpredictability of current business and economic conditions – and they are certainly severe – a downturn must always be a time for renewal and innovation. Business models must be scrutinised and repositioned for the changed circumstances of the recovery. Talent needs must be reassessed. Systems and working practices must be overhauled."

Also, look to this key message from the event – let us turn the power of a connected world to our advantage. We can start now. Start spreading the word about this event within your organisation and with your key suppliers and customers. The more that we can convince organisations to incorporate excellence into their strategy – the more we can positively affect long term sustainability.

  • How can organisations best manage its way through the storm and be ready to ride the next peak? What about the day after?
  • How are organisations using the Excellence Model to help them steer through the crisis?
  • How do you managing risk in a Connected World?
  • How can EFQM get its message across that a balanced stakeholder approach to managing Enterprises is, both ethically and economically, the best way forward?
  • What role can EFQM play in the current climate to get through the pain as effectively and efficiently as possible and assist world economy remediation and sustainability?
  • How will social networking help/hinder organisations especially during a time of travel bans and less face-to-face contact?
  • How does corporate governance affect long term sustainability?

EFQM member organisations have already started the debate on the connected world.

"I link the Connected World to the current world economic crisis. In fact the world is not only connected by telecommunication means, but also by the common fate arising from the increasing homogenization of economic and financial practices."

"Indeed it could be argued that, in part at least, the economic crisis is due to "The Power of the Connected World.""

"I think 'The Power of a Connected World' is an excellent topic and as mentioned above it could be approved from very many different angles. I would like to take the company perspective as 'The Power of a Connected World'. I sometimes wonder how connected we are inside our companies. There are often 'different type of silos' that are not totally connected with each other in a company. How could we strengthen this culture within a company and get more connected to a common vision & mission."

"The Power of a connected world is indeed a very good topic that can be approached from different angles. How can the web and interconnectivity impact the operations of business? How do virtual teams collaborate and which are the advantages/disadvantages? Is there a virtual corporate culture? Starting with 2008 a new generation of workforce that is more connected than ever before enters global business. How they will affect the way we work? Do they think, act, behave differently?"

"The power of a connected world is a good theme for the EFQM conference. I would like to see explored not also the power but it’s antidote – the perils of a connected world. As can be observed in this financial crisis, increased global connectivity has both its benefits and risks."

"I believe EFQM already constitutes a connected world. EFQM should have a more substantial and effective impact in the design of our changing world."

"Everything is connected now. The world is a much more global place and information is sent en masse at the click of a button."

"We can use the connected world to our advantage. Now, more than ever, organisations need a long lasting approach. Sustainability is not a buzz word. Organisations which have a solid management model and a drive towards excellence have a competitive advantage."