One of the reasons problems don’t get solved in the real world is because, in most cases, the problem-solvers are fighting to keep their jobs. No problem means no job.

That’s precisely why the Labs have been so effective. As Nancy Cook, Senior Editor at Fast Company observes, the Labs work because of a fundamental belief that “smart people engage in more innovative thinking if they don’t have a direct interest in the problem they’re trying to solve.”

Cook was a participant in a recent Lab in New York City, which was convened on behalf of the School of Visual Arts. Her article explores the benefits of the Labs’ unconventional format, and hints at the possibility that one day Corporate America will start using philanthropy, not simply to show it cares , but to solve its own problems. As Cook writes:

“The Labs have unearthed an innovative business development strategy. What if our best ideas came out of mission-driven, not-for-profit work–ideas that we could then apply to our corporate gigs?”

Check out the Fast Company article or our page on this Lab to learn more about some of the ideas that emerged. And sincere thanks to Nancy for her time, interest and insights.