Reference lecture Wed 31 Aug 2011: On article - where great ideas come from. 
What I consder the gist. Quoting:

• Set time aside to anticipate tomorrow's environment; to brainstorm and; to research... not just to get today's work done well.
• Share in peer groups (same region/industry).
• Cultivate mentors, e.g. experienced outsiders. Ask: "Will you teach me?".
• Visit other businesses and host visits. Share tips.
• Build a master file of interesting articles. Categorise by management topics.
• Attend industry conferences.
• Talk to your competitors! Host a cocktail party for them?
• Hold on-going conversations with customers.
• Build an e-suggestion database on the intranet: comments, thoughts, ideas.
• The best ideas can come from sources that appear totally irrelevant. 
• Find the time and establish the habits that will give ideas a chance. 

Hope this is useful.
Cheers!
Jovin Hurry