IBM and Sustainability: Creating a Smarter Planet

Abstract

The IBM story has been one of rise, fall and subsequent recovery through self re-invention. It is a case of evolutionary learning in a constantly shifting business environment. It has embarked on, and succeeded in, major strategic transformations. Today it’s looking to provide other organisations with the capabilities to do the same, equipping them with smarter technology and systems to create change for the firm and its customers. The Smarter Planet initiative is specifically designed to help customers like local authorities, energy companies, utilities, health care and other companies manage their operations in a more sustainable way by reducing negative environmental impacts and increasing positive impacts on efficiency and throughput. “Creating a Smarter Planet” is itself a smart and successful business model which contributes to the sustainable profitable development of IBM and its customers and clients. As such it is exemplary business model transformation with all the risks and huge change management challenges that go with such a transformation.