Can MS/OR Evolve Fast Enough?

There have been many discussions in recent years on the proper conduct of MS/OR and how it can best achieve its full potential in the years ahead. Some think that the present state of affairs is satisfactory. Others feel that, unless there is a major reorientation, our field has had its day, and that the future belongs to other more recently developed approaches to the problems of management. My view is that the destiny of our field depends on the rate at which it evolves within its competitive and rapidly changing environment. If the pace of evolution is fast enough, then—but only then—am I confident that MS/OR will flourish and reach its full potential. Accelerating the rate of evolution therefore is a task of vital importance. This is the main topic that I have chosen to address on this occasion.