Informational interconnectivity: Business as a Culture

The theme of interconnectedness amongst companies, industries and local cultures seems to have reappeared throughout the duration of the course. Waterloo specifically has displayed its ability to grow through local ties, and it has become a mainstay in their business development. At some point in 2017, a new building called Catalyst137 will be constructed southeast of UW, and is set to become "the largest innovation centre in the world dedicated to hardware and Internet of Things companies" (Dawes, 2016). Co-founder of Miovision (a successful Traffic Data platform) Frank Voisin stated that connecting devices and the Internet of Things are changing the way the world develops, "Until now, there hasn't been a single unifying place for hardware-focused companies to work together. Catalyst137 fills that need" (Dawes, 2016).

This belief of interconnectivity producing success correlates with an article within the course from the year 2001, which is interesting to think about. Andreas Wittel talked about the connection of workers from a strictly business perspective as a means of advancement and development, "In Network Sociality the social bond at work is not bureaucratic but informational; it is created on a project-by-project basis, by the movement of ideas, the establishment of only ever temporary standards and protocols, and the creation and protection of proprietary information" (Wittel, 2001). I find it interesting to see that the expansion of a newly developed business area is using a method discussed 16 years prior as an effective means of development. I also look forward to seeing the result of the new Catalyst137 building and its implications on Kitchener/Waterloo. 

Article #1: http://www.cantechletter.com/2016/06/worlds-largest-hardware-technology-hub-built-kitchener-waterloo/

Article #2: Wittel, A. (2001). Toward a Network Society. SAGE Publications 18.6, p. 51-76.