Q. What projects are you currently engaged in on a day to day basis and how do digital & technology innovations fit into this?
A. I'm advising a diverse range of businesses in the digital space, from start-ups through to global brands. These include platform providers, content owners, technology suppliers, businesses leveraging data and businesses from other sectors such as retail and financial services developing their online presence.
Laws are generally backward looking, in that they are created to respond to changes, rather than anticipating them. By definition, innovation means change, and thus pushing the envelope in terms of existing laws. This means I have to help businesses find creative ways round legal risks whilst minimising impact on business models. It's great fun.
Q. Who do you admire in this space? Who's inspiring you? Who's pushing the boundaries and how?
A. A big name that would spring to anyone's mind when talking about digital innovation is Apple, and the iPad was clearly another game changer. However, I see a lot of innovation that's less about sexy electronic products and more about doing something better, or using a resource or network for a purpose no-one has thought of. Take Shutl for example, using the courier market – traditionally associated with business deliveries – to provide delivery of online consumer purchases within 90 minutes.
Q. What would you like to see from this year's Megas entrants?
A. If I knew the answer I'd be entering the Megas myself.
Q. What does innovation mean to you?
A. Introducing something new, but not for the sake of it.
Q. How important are technology innovations in effecting social change?
A. Historically perhaps more important than anything else. Check out Guardian's Activate conferences for inspiring examples of future innovations.
Q. Where do you see the future of digital & technology innovation? What projects will be winning a Mega in 5 years' time?
A. Perhaps those that help squeeze the global digital divide. Incremental innovation in the West is one thing but bringing innovation to the developing world is far more transformational.
Q. What app can't you live without?
A. Spotify (and I'm too embarrassed to say Angry Birds)
Q. Is there anything else you would like to add to encourage or inspire potential Megas entrants?
A. A little bit of sensible legal advice early on can payback tenfold in the long run. It might not even cost you anything.
