From Japan we learned just in time inventory control, manufacturing quality control and continuous improvement, innovation in consumer electronics design, and an appreciation for sushi.

FORBES: Take A Hint From China

To compete successfully despite frequent and sudden change, firms have to foster the competencies that promote continuous innovation in both offerings and operations.

FORBES: Radical management: it's happening!

Software development has made major discoveries in how to combine continuous innovation with disciplined execution, but has not always been able to make the necessary organizational culture shift.

FORBES: Implementing Major Change At The World Bank

In essence, just as the Fortune 500 must relearn how to manage so as to generate continuous innovation, the health care system also needs to learn how to manage in a radically different way so as to generate reliable and affordable care through continuous innovation.

FORBES: Saving Medicare (For Real)

Reflecting its continued focus on innovation and continuous improvements in customer service, NetJets plans to have all future fleet aircraft, including light cabin models, delivered from the factory with high speed Internet service.

ENGADGET: NetJets begins Aircell in-flight WiFi installations, won't stop anytime soon

To thrive in this new world, GE must master the management principles needed for continuous innovation and delight customers.

FORBES: David Brooks: Competitiveness Vs Creativity: GE vs Apple

While most big firms today are still mired in the Traditional Economy of the Great Stagnation, kept afloat by cheap money from central banks, still waiting for an improvement in the business cycle, firms in the Creative Economy are racing ahead by creating their own demand with continuous innovation.

FORBES: The Creative Economy: Can Industrial Giants Reinvent Themselves?

Continuous success for operators in this space will require transformational strategies along with new value propositions, product innovation and perhaps even some mergers and acquisitions.

FORBES: The Massive M2M Business Opportunity (Part 1)