With so much being reported from the design and innovation communities, we’ve decided to pull together some of the most compelling stories we’ve been reading each week. Keep an eye here for a round up of news every Friday.

In Praise of Copycats by Kal Raustiala and Chris Sprigman
Wall Street Journal
Imitation in certain creative industries can actually help spur innovation.

Is Brainstorming Brain Dead? by Jonathan Becher
Forbes
Another point of view on why brainstorming is a bad idea. Strategist Daniel Sobol had his own take in this piece for Fast Co.Design.

If Miles Davis Taught Your Office to Improvise by Frank J. Barrett
Fast Company
By using the experimental, improvisational approach of a jazz musician, you might become a better leader.

‘Stores of the Future’ must embrace mobile by Monash Univeristy
Futurity
Researchers at Monash University’s Australian Centre for Retail Studies looked at the role the physical store had on customers versus what customers are searching for in future shopping experiences. Service Design Principal Craig LaRosa weighs in with a blog post for Chain Store Age.

Leadership is about Breaking Things by Mike Myatt
Innovation Excellence
“If you’re more interested in protecting what is than you are finding the answer to what if you might be in a leadership role, but you’re likely not leading well.”