Description: Innovation has become a fashionable concept, but what does it really mean? Are the concepts of innovation and invention synonyms? Is innovation a good thing? If so, why so many oppose it? If we want to become innovators, what considerations should be kept in mind? Are there examples of innovative thought in the actuarial field? If so, can you think of some of them? If you want answers to these questions please read Jay Jaffe’s article, Becoming a More Effective Innovator. Innovation is a big idea in the business education, so much so that many MBA programs are including courses on the subject, so much so that, as we know, our Section is called Entrepreneurial & Innovation.

Description: This article is a summary of a panel discussion, held at the March 2010 IAA Meeting in South Africa, which explored the dual roles of consulting actuaries as entrepreneurs and professionals. Topics covered include ethics and professionalism, conflict of interest, and management and communication skills, among others, representing views from small to large consulting firms in different countries.