Institute of Brilliant Failures

Foreword
Introduction

1. An Introduction to Brilliant Failures
A Call for Less Caution
So What Exactly is a Brilliant Failure?
Brilliant Failures as Part of Life
The BriFa Model: Positive Change Through Trying and Learning
Applying Chapter 1

2. Failure Is in Our DNA
Reality Often Turns Out Differently Than Expected
The Dirty Dozen
Creativity
Theory U: Changing and Being Open to Failure
Applying Chapter 2

3. Complexity as a Cause of Failing Brilliantly
Complicated Systems
Complex Systems
Complex Adaptive Systems
Our World Has Truly Become Much More Complex
Complexity in Projects and Programs
Applying Chapter 3

4. A Favorable Climate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation
Open Innovation: An Additional Layer of Complexity
Entrepreneurship Is a Process of Trial and Error
Applying Chapter 4

5. A Common Language: Archetypes
Pattern Recognition
Patterns in Failing Brilliantly: Sixteen Archetypes
Failing and Learning at Various Levels
Applying Chapter 5

6. On knowledge and Learning
Knowledge Makes the World Go Round
The Knowledge Value Chain
Knowledge Transfer
Various Levels of Learning: Single-Loop and Double-Loop Learning
Failing and Learning in the World of Science and Research
Applying Chapter 6

7. Scenarios: Learning from Brilliant Failures Before They Happen
Alternative History
Alternative Future
Scenarios: Learning from the Future
War-Gaming: Failing Brilliantly in the Future
Applying Chapter 7

8. The Importance of a Safe Environment
The Influence of the Environment
Biomimicry: What We Can Learn from Nature
Serious Optimism
Applying Chapter 8

9. The Influence of Culture on Failing Brilliantly
On Culture
Brilliant Failures in the Netherlands Compared to Other Countries
Failure in the Context of Government
Applying Chapter 9

10. The Institute of Brilliant Failures (IoBF)
The IoBF Knowledge Environment: BriFa Learning Environment
IoBF Intervention: Journal of Brilliant Failures
IoBF Intervention: Brilliant Failure Award
IoBF Intervention: “Awareness Climate” for Experimentation and Learning
Applying Chapter 10

Acknowledgments
Guest authors
References