More on Tech Scouting..Google Lists Job with a Star Trek-Like Mission

Speaking of Tech Scouting, yesterday's Computerworld published this story: Google Lists Job with a Star Trek-Like Mission. Google Inc. (GOOG) is advertising for a " renewable energy technology scout" whose mission will be to "seek-out, analyze, present, and promote new technologies" that are designed to cut energy costs.

The story quotes expert Jay Paap, who I mentioned in my own blog yesterday, "The primary goal is to look in places that are outside of your normal areas of expertise to get ideas on how to solve problems that you or your customer have," said Paap. An ideal technology scout "is someone who is a quick study and very, very curious and can make linkages that other people can't see," he added.

In Google's case, the company may be trying to identify energy efficiency technologies that are outside its core strength as a consumer company, said Paap.

Interesting that even Google, often cited for its exceptional innovation capability, is looking outside!