From schools to skunk works

I’m following up on yesterday’s post discussing how established institutions (schools, universities, research facilities) change only after working organizations (businesses, enterprises, social groups) have. Hugh’s cartoon of work as a “loose confederation of skunk works, joined by insanity” aptly describes the modern workplace and the surrounding social and technological environment. I find it more appropriate every day. The big questions is, how can we move from the mindset of schools to skunk works? Now there’s a worthwhile quest.