b'EDITORS MESSAGEOUT WITH THE OLD,IN WITH THE NEWhuman progress, reshaping societies, andthat creative destruction can be a dou-transforming industries. From the wheel toble-edged sword. While it leads to progress the internet, each breakthrough has builtand the creation of new activities, industries upon the efforts and ingenuity of countlessand jobs, it also renders existing ones obso-others who dared to envision a differentlete. There can be unintended consequences future. The power of innovation lies in itssuch as temporary losses of jobs, environ-ability to solve problems, create new oppor- mental repercussions, and power inequity. tunities, and push the boundaries of whatThis isnt news: the advent of automobiles we believe is possible. While the concept ofled to the decline of horse-drawn carriages; innovation is as old as humanity itself, it isdigital cameras caused the downfall of tra-reshaping our world faster than ever before. ditional film-based photography.This process can be painful for those INNOVATION IN THE PLANTwho are part of the sectors being disrupted. BREEDING AND THE SEEDHowever, I think we can all agree that inno-SECTOR vation is essential for long-term economic BY: MARCEL BRUINS One of the most significant areas wheregrowth and development. Creative destruc-innovation has had a profound impact is intion also forces companies to move beyond agriculture in the broad sense, including thethe status quo into creative new spaces: plant breeding and seed sector. The devel- adapting, innovating, or risking becoming A t the upcoming Euroseeds Congressopment of new plant varieties and improvedirrelevant. It is through this constant cycle in Copenhagen, a very brightseeds has been instrumental in addressingof renewal that economies stay dynamic spotlight will shine on innovation,food security, increasing crop yields, andand capable of meeting new challenges. with the Congress InnovAction Stage asmaking agriculture more sustainable. Standing still is basically going backwards.the main centrepiece. As I sit enjoying aThe seed sectors role in innovation decent roof over my head, central heating,extends beyond just improving crop yields.HARNESSING THE POWERa cup of tea made with water boiled fromIt also plays a crucial part in preservingThe power of innovation is undeniable. It my electric kettle, I ponder the power ofbiodiversity. By developing and distribut- has shaped the course of human history and innovation and ask myself: where we woulding a wide variety of seeds, breeders help tocontinues to drive progress across all sectors be without innovation? Well, I guess, wedmaintain a diverse gene pool, which is vitalof society. From the ancient inventions that be sitting around a campfire and living infor the resilience of agricultural systems inlaid the foundation for modern civiliza-caves, and Im pretty sure nobody wantsthe face of environmental changes. tion to the ongoing advancements in plant to go back to that era. All joking aside,breeding and the seed sector, innovation is innovation is absolutely critical to theCREATIVE DESTRUCTION at the heart of human development.long-term success of the seed sector, andAt the very heart of innovation is creativeAs we look to the future, the challenge I applaud Euroseeds and others efforts todestruction: the deliberate dismantlingwill be to harness this power responsibly, support it.of established processes to make way forensuring that we create an environment Where Merriam Webster provides aimproved methods of production. Thoughwhere the benefits of innovation can be rather meagre definition of innovation asthe concept sounds negative, it is a criticalshared widely in ways that empower an a new idea, method, or device or the intro- component of innovation-driven changeongoing cycle of innovation and ultimately duction of something new, I prefer definingand growth. It is most often used to describeimproves all of our lives. We must be pre-innovation as the process of bringing aboutdisruptive technologies such as the railroadspared to adapt to the changes it brings. In new ideas, methods, products, services, oror, in our own time, the internet. The termthe seed sector, as in all fields, innovation solutions that have a significant positivewas coined in the early 1940s by economistwill be key to addressing the global chal-impact and value. It all starts with a crea- Joseph Schumpeter, who observed real-lifelenges of the 21st century, from feeding tive concept, which is then transformed intoexamples of creative destruction, such asa growing population to mitigating the a tangible outcome that addresses unmetHenry Fords assembly line.impacts of climate change. I welcome the needs or, in the case of a process, improvesCreative destruction can be seen acrosschanges ahead.efficiency and effectiveness. many different sectors, including within the plant breeding and seed sector, with obviousMarcel BruinsDRIVING HUMAN PROGRESS examples including, genetic modification,editorial director, Seed World EuropeInnovation has long been the engine drivinggene-editing and so on. The challenge ismbruins@seedworldgroup.com4ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE'