TRUCK & BUSINESS 275

Fail fast! That is the advice I give as a conclusion to our debate on innovation in transport, which we broadcast as an opening to the Virtual TRANSPORTMEDIA Xperience on 1 December. An event that, like this issue of Truck & Business, was entirely dedicated to innovation. After all, road transport needs innovation. What revolution has there been in our sector since we have been able to communicate with drivers remotely? Not very much…

But that is changing and it must change quickly. The current formulas are no longer sufficient to respond to the objectives of tomorrow, starting with making the sector more environmentally friendly. Tomorrow, when we can take a step back, we will perhaps remember that the damned virus has indeed accelerated the change. That it has forced us, journalists, to adapt our way of working and to organise events ourselves.

Errare humanum is sed perseverare diabolicum. (Seneca)

Innovation is first and foremost a mindset. It is like the first step: if you do not lose your balance by taking that first step, then there is no need to regain that balance by taking the second step, and so on. I will be accused of being an easy image and of saying that in order to innovate, you also need resources, resources that are lacking because the margins are too small… and that is often right. With a few exceptions, innovations are born in the best structured and largely profitable companies. Or is it the opposite? Do these companies earn a better living because they are so innovative?

Innovation also means accepting that something can go wrong. Errare humanum est (to err is human), said Seneca, but he went on to say 'sed perseverare diabolicum' (but it is the devil's fault to continue with the error). Even in this respect, it is easier said than done in a sector where management often sits with its head bent over the steering wheel, especially in 2020. Finding a little 'available thinking time' to put your finger on the facets where you want or can innovate and thus distinguish yourself from the competition, that is what I wish for you for 2021!