MidemNet 2009: Topspin boss Ian Rogers slams ‘lack of innovation’

2008 was a good year in terms of the sheer number of digital music startups and services, but Topspin boss Ian Rogers thinks there's some way to go. During a panel debate at MidemNet this morning, he said not enough of these startups are truly innovative – although not always through their own fault.”There's a lack of innovation at the moment – VCs are scared, and the digital music space is not terribly attractive to entrepreneurs,” he said. “We have to create an environment – and in particular major labels who are holding a lot of the licenses need to create an environment in which innovation can thrive. There are not enough interesting companies out there.”Rogers was also lukewarm on the growing clamour for ISPs to become more active players in the music ecosystem, launching their own services.”The ISP is a conduit between here and there,” he said. “I don’t see ISPs as needing to be the police or gatekeeper in this. The money’s gotta come from somewhere, so if the place you want to access it is the ISP… it’s a solution, but I don’t think it’s THE solution.”For more on Rogers' views, and those of fellow panellists Eric [...]