How Does Innovation Happen?
Rethinking the innovation process with Eugene Fitzgerald.
1The Concept of Innovation
Innovation has become a mythological concept in the modern era. Eugene Fitzgerald defines innovation as the integration of market applications, technology, and implementation in his work at MIT. In this era where AI is reshaping knowledge and research processes, Fitzgerald examines how innovation happens and how society should invest in it.
2Experience at Bell Labs
Fitzgerald discovered strained silicon technology at AT&T Bell Labs in the 1990s. This discovery was a significant step in extending Moore's Law. Large industrial labs like Bell Labs made many discoveries but struggled to commercialize them. Fitzgerald notes that these experiences shaped the ideas in his book.
3MIT and Collaboration Programs
Fitzgerald led international research programs such as the MIT and Masdar Institute Cooperative Program and the MIT-Singapore Alliance for Research and Technology. These programs were large-scale projects where science, economics, industry, and society intersected. Fitzgerald wrote the book to document and understand the innovation process in these projects.
4The Invisible Engine
Fitzgerald defines innovation as the 'invisible engine.' This engine creates surprises in the market through the collective intelligence of different actors, bringing significant profits. Inspired by Frank Knight's entrepreneurship theory, this concept emphasizes that entrepreneurs take on uncertainty to innovate.
5Misconceptions About Innovation
Fitzgerald states that the biggest misconception about innovation is that all research investments work the same way. There are three types of research investments: altruistic science, strategic research, and fundamental innovation. Each serves different purposes and produces different outcomes.
6Strategic Research
Strategic research focuses on a specific goal. For example, advancements in multiple fields are needed for a new F-35 aircraft. This type of research removes economics from the equation but deals with broader uncertainty as it spans multiple technology domains.
7Fundamental Innovation
Fundamental innovation represents the process from research to economic growth. This type of innovation occurs at the intersection of many different fields and has a broad impact. Fitzgerald emphasizes that this type of innovation is the most valuable for society.
8The Future of Innovation
Fitzgerald notes that the innovation process will become even more important in the future. AI and other technological advancements will accelerate and complicate the innovation process. How society adapts to this process will determine future success.
Original article: MIT News — AI — Yenilik Nasıl Gerçekleşir?