Capitalists networks that rule the world

An interesting article in the new scientist: shows who the key players are based on cross ownership data. Another example of how relationship data can provide new areas of intelligence.

I did something similar (on a much smaller scale) with the Australian media industry using cross ownership data, with similar interesting results. I'll have to think about updating that one or evening broadening it.

Poking holes in the walls of industry

I had a CEO once who was a champion for knowledge sharing but at the same time appreciated the value of the conventional business unit structures, that are often referred to as "silos". He would often say "silos aren't bad...we just need to poke a few holes in the sides to get some sharing happening". In some ways the lines between the objects on our industry maps (which are usually companies) could be seen as these "holes" in action.

Holes seem to work equally well for things flowing in and out. In the network world maybe its who has their hands on the 'tap', rather than the 'tiller' that will determine whether an organisation thrives or dies?