In the period of 1988 – 2008 virtually everything changed: the economy, the capital markets, technology, the consumer, business models, organization, the nature of leadership, valuation of firms, strategies and tactics. In 1988 few used a mobile phone, today many have multiple mobile phones. And whereas the mobile phone was used as a phone in 1998, today it is also a diary or camera and is used for e-mail, video, internet browsing, etc. In 1998 the Walkman was en vogue, now it is the iPod. In 1998 Nolan’s theory of phases in IT Applications was a great help for managers to plan IT Investments and its performance management. The business-IT Alignment paradigm developed and was widely used in defining the role of IT. Now we understand how digital technology creates new business models, where to align IT to the business and in which cases IT will enable new strategies. Since 1998 we have seen the browser turning the Internet into a platform for new business models, entrepreneurship, e-commerce and a platform for user generated content. In a way the Internet also transformed the consumer, from being a passive coach potato into an interactive browser, co-creator and networker, with multiple personae and preferences.

This anniversary Annual not only commemorates 20 years of NNC in the Netherlands, but also the 10th Anniversary of the NNC Annual. This Annual offers a unique view on the last decade by reprinting a selection of chapters from previous Annuals. The original articles, written by NNC-consultants, are complemented with their freshly written afterwords, giving their present views on things, their lessons learned and what they expect for the future.

This Annual carries chapters on e-commerce, the debate on the new economy and its dot com bust, the financial industry and its impact on business, changes in strategy, strategy execution, corporate governance, longevity and re-designing the IT Function. By contrasting original texts with today’s experiences and insights, this Annual helps the reader to reflect on his own understanding of the complexity of changes going on. It is one thing to have survived all these changes, more important is our in-depth understanding of all these changes. That understanding will be needed to see and frame the issues for the next period.

Reculer pour mieux souter is the theme for this NNC Annual. Again this Annual is an invitation to our clients and other readers to co-think the future ahead. Learning from the experiences in managing the changes of the past twenty years, provides a tremendous trust and energy to face the years to come.

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