This is a book which seeks to de-bunk the myths of innovation. Most of us are brought up to believe that Isaac Newton discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head, and that Archimedes had a 'Eureka!' moment in his bath. Scott Berkun points out that neither of these two myths is true, and that almost all radical innovations come about as a result of years and years of research, failed attempts, and lots of hard work. He also points out that history is not only written by the victors, but that it commonly misses out the failures, wastes, and losses that go to make up a success. His telling example here is Rome, whose architectural glories are actually built on the ruins of a city that was previously burned to the ground... Read more >>
29 June 2007
The Myths of Innovation
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Interestingly the 'hole in the wall' is forty years old this week. Invented by Brit John Shepherd, it was initially not especially popular as banks failed to cotton on to how useful it was but-and here's another key reason for successful innovations perhaps- as soon as they realised they could reduce staff because of them they took off and there are now 1.6 million worldwide, including one close to Nepal's highest peak.
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