I caught this great programme on Radio 4 yesterday about serendipity and the web. The basis for the programme is that interesting things can happen during random or informal events - serendipity can be a trigger for inspiration and innovation. But as the web becomes more formal and as search engines get better at giving us what we want and as social media keeps us in touch only with those who think the same way as we do, there is much less opportunity for serendipitous events.

Recommended listening.