i think the question i'd ask is ... how is shapeshifters different to things like t-shirts & suits? i mean, if you're going to make the effort to travel around the world and seed shapeshifters it should offer a higher level of interaction than a virtual only model (ok David does coffee mornings but you know what i mean). i'd say that shapeshifters is an innovation broker http://www.innovation-unit.co.uk/images/stories/honest_brokers_final.pdf

with your high touch stuff etc. however for this to work whilst you're asleep there need to be mechanisms (which you still lead) that make e.g. targetted introductions either because you think two people have something in common or because you think they would gain from working together etc

with the technology developments available through things like ning shapeshifters needs to stay ahead of the crowd in the way people use the site

specific clusters, meeting in person etc would all help this

sarah

Ryan and Neil,
both of your comments are very helpful. Both point in the same direction. How can we connect a global network with existing regional networks so that as many people as possible benefit from it? That is a challenge and I wonder whether it can be solved with web 2.0 tools alone. Ryan, how could we get this summit going in Paris? Who would be our co-producer on site in Paris? Neil, we have had this conversation as well. I just read your report and really enjoyed it. What is the status of this plan? Yes, it would be phantastic to bring together creatives and networkers like you in one place. Nothing beats a good face-to-face workshop. Would you be interestd to explore new ground together with us? We could get going with a small group and take it from there. What do you think?

It's a great idea to share opportunities within different cultures and in different parts of the the world. I think many people would welcome that, whether on a personal project level or a business equivalent. I'd certainly be interested in working on a project with an individual or studio in another part of the world. Who wouldn't be.

Could Shapeshifters create smaller, sub-networks which worked on projects and whom, potentially, meet once a year to share ideas, work on projects, hold seminars etc.

Networks could be established in geographic locations, Europe, North America, South America and so on.

Could you imagine the 'Shapeshifters European fellowship' holding their 2010 summit in Paris? I can!.....

I've just delivered a reoprt to the Welsh Government on this very subject! I'm really keen to find ways to help creative entrepreneurs work together and improve those opportunities.

Check out http://www.digitallynetworked.com for the report.

Cheers!