No specific source, whether a university, professional firm, a supplier or government laboratory is favoured over another. Nor are domestic contractors given preference over foreign organizations. Everyone is equal and can win in the outsourcing business provided the rigorous criteria of competition are met. The Focus Group did not necessarily generate new or innovative insights into best practices of outsourcing. However, the participants provided further support to the notion of a flexible, learning organization.
Flexibility is one of the traits of a company's organizational innovativeness.
At the same time, it complements technological innovation within the firm. Flexibility allows the firm to access the resources it needs in a way it wants. Its is to help its members anticipate and respond to the increasingly changing global economy. The Information, Innovation and Technology Group is a research entity in the Policy, Business and Society Division of The Conference Board of Canada.