- The decline of European telecom companies from innovators to branding and financing firms, impacting their technical capabilities.
- Outsourcing too much can lead to a point of no return, where companies lose technical talent and ability to innovate.
- Toaster manufacturing example illustrates how outsourcing all components can leave a company with only branding and logistics, hindering innovation.
- Boeing's 787 Dreamliner troubles show that outsourcing production without retaining expertise can lead to failure.
- European companies have outsourced core technical activities, resulting in a lack of control and innovation.
- The separation of thinking from doing in companies stifles innovation; retaining technical expertise is crucial.
- Shareholders and consultants drive outsourcing, prioritizing short-term profits over long-term technical capabilities.
- Technical people contribute to the problem by avoiding management roles and not advocating for technical core functions.
- If a company is in decline, technical individuals should consider leaving for smaller, innovative firms or starting their own ventures.
- Smart outsourcing involves focusing on core innovations (like firmware) while outsourcing non-essential components (like fuses).